Potassium sulfate

Potassium sulfate

Names
IUPAC name Potassium sulfate
Other names Arcanite Potash of sulfur Potassium sulphate Sulphate of potash
Properties
Chemical formula	K2SO4
Molar mass	174.259 g/mol
Odor	Odorless
Density	2.66 g/cm3
Melting point	1,069 °C (1,956 °F; 1,342 K)
Boiling point	1,689 °C (3,072 °F; 1,962 K)
Solubility in water	111 g/L (20 °C) 120 g/L (25 °C) 240 g/L (100 °C)
Solubility	Slightly soluble in glycerol Insoluble in acetone, carbon disulfide, ethanol
Hazards
Safety data sheet	Fisher Scientific
Flash point	Non-flammable
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
LD50 (Median dose)	6600 mg/kg (oral, rat)
Related compounds
Related compounds	Potassium bisulfate
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) or potassium sulphate, also known as arcanite, sulphate of potash or potash of sulfur is a soluble potassium salt of sulfuric acid.

Properties

Chemical

Potassium salt will react with sulfuric acid to form potassium bisulfate.

Physical

Potassium sulfate is a white odorless solid, with a bitter taste. It is soluble in water, slightly soluble in glycerol, but insoluble in acetone, carbon disulfide, ethanol.

Availability

Potassium sulfate is available as a fertilizer, either pure or mixed with other materials.

Preparation

Can be prepared by reacting potassium carbonate with sulfuric acid.

Projects

• Make potassium nitrate
• Grow crystals

Handling

Safety

Potassium sulfate has little toxicity, though it be irritant.

Storage

In closed bottles.

Disposal

Can be safely dumped in soil.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Potassium sulphate insoluble residue...