Potassium Sulphate

APotassium Sulphate, also called sulphate of potash or potash of sulfur, is non-flammable white crystalline salt which is soluble in water. The chemical is commonly used in fertilizers, providing both potassium and sulfur. When potassium sulfate is heated in water and subjected to swirling in a beaker, the crystals form a multi-arm spiral structure when allowed to settle. Potassium sulfate could be used to study spiral structures in the laboratory.

The dominant use of potassium sulfate is as a fertilizer. K2SO4 does not contain chloride, which can be harmful to some crops. Potassium sulfate is preferred for these crops, which include tobacco and some fruits and vegetables. Crops that are less sensitive may still require potassium sulfate for optimal growth if the soil accumulates chloride from irrigation water.

The crude salt is also used occasionally in the manufacture of glass. Potassium sulfate is also used as a flash reducer in artillery propellant charges. It reduces muzzle flash, flare back and blast over pressure.

FormulaK2SO4

Molar mass 174.259 g/mol

Melting point 1,069 °C

Boiling point 1,689 °C

Density2.66 g/cm³

Soluble in Water

Application

• Fertilizer
• Dyes Industries
• Oil Refinery
• Used as a flash reducer in artillery propellant charges

Specification