Property |
Description |
Name |
Potassium chloride |
CAS Number |
7447-40-7 |
Molecular Formula |
KCl |
Molecular Weight |
74.55 |
Appearance |
White crystals or crystalline powder |
Odor |
Odorless |
Taste |
Salty |
Melting Point |
770°C |
Boiling Point |
1420°C |
Density |
1.98 g/mL at 25°C |
Solubility |
Soluble in water (340 g/L at 20°C), slightly soluble in glycerol, sparingly soluble in ethanol, insoluble in ether, acetone, and concentrated hydrochloric acid |
Stability |
Stable under normal conditions |
pH |
Approximately 7 (neutral) in aqueous solution |
Flash Point |
1500°C |
Refractive Index |
1.334 |
Medical Uses
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Electrolyte Replacement: Potassium chloride is essential for maintaining normal electrolyte balance in the body. It is commonly used to treat and prevent hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can be caused by various conditions such as excessive vomiting, diarrhea, or the use of certain medications like diuretics.
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Cardiac Conditions: In medical settings, KCl is used to manage certain heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) by stabilizing the electrical activity of the heart muscle. However, its administration must be carefully controlled due to the potential for serious side effects if given too rapidly or in excessive amounts.
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Nutritional Support: It is a key component in parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding) solutions, ensuring that patients who are unable to take food orally receive adequate potassium to support normal cellular function.
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Pharmaceutical Excipient: Potassium chloride is also used as an excipient in the formulation of various medications, helping to adjust the osmolarity of solutions or providing a source of potassium in combination drugs.
Food Industry Uses
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Food Additive: Potassium chloride is used as a salt substitute for individuals who need to limit their sodium intake due to conditions like hypertension. It provides a similar salty taste to sodium chloride (table salt) but has a lower sodium content.
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Flavor Enhancer: In processed foods, it helps enhance the flavor profile by providing a savory taste without contributing to the negative health effects associated with high sodium consumption.
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Meat Processing: It is used in meat products to improve texture and moisture retention. For example, it can be added to sausages and other processed meats to maintain juiciness and enhance flavor.
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Beverage Industry: Potassium chloride is sometimes added to sports drinks and other beverages to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat, helping to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance during physical activity.
Industrial Uses
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Chemical Production: Potassium chloride is a raw material in the production of other potassium compounds, such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) and potassium carbonate (K2CO3). These compounds are used in various industrial processes, including the manufacturing of soaps, detergents, and glass.
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Metallurgy: In the metallurgical industry, KCl is used as a flux in the refining of metals. It helps remove impurities and facilitates the separation of metal from slag during the smelting process.
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Electroplating: It is used in electroplating solutions to provide potassium ions, which are necessary for the deposition of certain metals onto substrates, enhancing the durability and appearance of metal surfaces.
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Water Treatment: Potassium chloride can be used in water treatment processes to adjust the ionic strength of solutions or to stabilize pH levels in certain applications.
Agricultural Uses
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Fertilizer: Potassium chloride is a common source of potassium in fertilizers. It provides essential nutrients to plants, promoting healthy growth, root development, and resistance to disease. However, its use in agriculture is sometimes limited due to the potential for soil salinization if applied excessively.
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Animal Nutrition: In livestock feed, it is added to ensure that animals receive adequate potassium, which is important for muscle function, milk production in dairy cows, and overall health.
Laboratory Uses
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Analytical Reagent: Potassium chloride is used as a standard reagent in various chemical analyses, such as titrations and conductivity measurements. Its well-defined properties make it a reliable reference material.
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Buffer Component: It is often used in the preparation of buffer solutions to maintain a stable pH environment for biochemical reactions and experiments.
Safety Considerations
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Medical Administration: Due to its potential to cause cardiac arrhythmias and other serious side effects if administered improperly, potassium chloride must be carefully dosed and monitored, especially in intravenous applications.
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Food Safety: When used as a salt substitute or additive, it should be clearly labeled to inform consumers, as some individuals may have medical conditions that require them to avoid potassium or may be sensitive to its taste.
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Industrial Handling: In industrial settings, proper safety measures should be taken to avoid inhalation or ingestion of potassium chloride dust. It is also important to store it in a dry environment to prevent caking and degradation.








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