Potassium carbonate
Agent Name
Potassium carbonate
CAS Number
584-08-7
Formula
C-H2-O3.2K
Major Category
Other Classes
Synonyms
Carbonate of potash; Carbonic acid, dipotassium salt; Dipotassium carbonate; K-Gran; Kalium carbonicum; Kaliumcarbonat [German]; Pearl ash; Potash; Potassium carbonate; Potassium carbonate (2:1); Potassium carbonate (K2(CO3)); Potassium carbonate (K2CO3); Potassium carbonate, anhydrous; Salt of tartar; [ChemIDplus]
Category
Salts, Basic
Description
White deliquescent powder; [Hawley] Available as a solid (anhydrous or sesquihydrate) and concentrated solution (47% potassium carbonate); [CHEMINFO]
Sources/Uses
Used to make glass with special optical properties; Also used in desiccants, dyes, pigments, inks, soaps, fertilizers, ceramics, leather tanning and finishing, fire extinguishers, and food additives; Used in the following industries: engraving & lithography, gas purification, electrical, textile, pharmaceutical, and food; [CHEMINFO]
Comments
An irritant to tissues; [Hawley] Probably a severe eye irritant; [CHEMINFO] May be caustic; [HSDB]
Biomedical References
Exposure Assessment
Lethal Concentration
LC (rat) = > 500 mg/m3
Adverse Effects
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns
Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: