Potassium carbonate is a white or slightly yellow crystalline compound formed by the reaction of potassium hydroxide and carbon dioxide. Its chemical formula is K2CO3. Potassium carbonate, a strong alkali, is soluble in water and alcohol. It is a hygroscopic substance and absorbs moisture from the air. The chemical and physical properties of potassium carbonate are as follows:

• Its molecular weight is 138.205 g/mol.
• Its melting point is 891 °C.
• The boiling point erodes.
• Its density is 2.43 g/cm3.
• Solubility is high in water and alcohol, low in ether.

Potassium carbonate has many uses. It is most commonly used in glass, ceramics, soap, fertilizer, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and textiles. Some products and processes where potassium carbonate is used are as follows:

• Glass: Potassium carbonate is used as a melter and flux in glass making. It increases the brightness, durability and heat resistance of glass. It is especially used in the production of optical glass, crystal glass, television tube glass and laboratory glassware.
• Ceramics: Potassium carbonate is used in ceramic making to improve the fluidity and plasticity of the paste. It also helps to improve the structure and color of ceramic glaze.
• Soap: Potassium carbonate is used in soap making to saponify fatty acids. It also improves the softness and foaming of soap.
• Fertilizer: Potassium carbonate is used as a source of potassium in fertilizers. Potassium is an essential element for plant growth, photosynthesis and disease resistance.
• Food: Potassium carbonate is used in the food industry as a pH adjuster, leavening agent, color stabilizer and sweetener. For example, potassium carbonate is used in products such as noodles, chocolate, cheese and confectionery.
• Pharmaceuticals: Potassium carbonate is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent, buffer and antacid. It also helps to increase the bioavailability of some medicines.
• Cosmetics: Potassium carbonate is used in the cosmetics industry as a moisturizer, emulsifier and viscosity regulator. It also helps to dissolve other ingredients in cosmetics.
• Textile: Potassium carbonate is used as a dyeing aid in the textile industry. It improves the dispersion and fixation of the dye in the dye bath.

Potassium carbonate is also used in metalworking, corrosion prevention, wood preservation and laboratory chemistry. Potassium carbonate is a versatile chemical compound and is used for different purposes in many industries.