Potassium oxide (K2O) is a chemical compound that consists of two potassium atoms and one oxygen atom. It is commonly used in the production of fertilizers due to its high potassium content.
| IUPAC Name | Potassium oxide |
| Molecular Formula | K2O |
| CAS Number | 12136-45-7 |
| Synonyms | Potash, Dipotassium oxide, Potassium monoxide |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2K.O |
Potassium Oxide Properties
Potassium Oxide Formula
The formula for potassium oxide is K2O. This means that each molecule of K2O contains two K atoms and one O atom. The formula for potassium oxide is important in chemical calculations, such as determining the molar mass and stoichiometry of the compound in chemical reactions.
Potassium Oxide Molar Mass
K2O has a molar mass of 94.2 g/mol. This means that one mole of K2O contains 94.2 grams of the compound. The molar mass of a compound is important in many chemical calculations, such as determining the amount of a compound needed for a reaction or the mass of a sample of the compound.
Potassium Oxide Boiling Point
K2O has a high boiling point of 3,150 °C (5,720 °F). This high boiling point is due to the strong ionic bonds between the potassium and oxygen atoms in the compound. K2O is a solid at room temperature and pressure, but at very high temperatures it can be vaporized into a gas.
Potassium Oxide Melting Point
The melting point of K2O is 740 °C (1,364 °F). This means that at temperatures above 740 °C, K2O will melt and become a liquid. The melting point of K2O is relatively high compared to other ionic compounds, such as sodium chloride (801 °C) and magnesium oxide (2,852 °C).
Potassium Oxide Density g/ml
The density of K2O is 2.32 g/cm³. This density is higher than that of water (1 g/cm³) and indicates that K2O is a relatively dense compound. The high density of K2O is due to the close packing of the potassium and oxygen atoms in the crystal lattice structure of the compound.
Potassium Oxide Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of K2O is 94.2 g/mol. The molecular weight is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule of the compound. The molecular weight of K2O is important in stoichiometric calculations, such as determining the amount of reactants needed for a chemical reaction.
Potassium Oxide Structure
K2O has a crystal lattice structure. The structure consists of potassium cations (K+) and oxide anions (O2-) arranged in a three-dimensional repeating pattern. The crystal lattice structure of K2O is important in determining the physical and chemical properties of the compound.
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 2.32 |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 94.2 g/mol |
| Density | 2.32 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 740 °C (1,364 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 3,150 °C (5,720 °F) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Reacts violently with water |
| Solubility | Insoluble in organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Not applicable |
Potassium Oxide Safety and Hazards
K2O poses several safety and hazard risks. It reacts violently with water, releasing a large amount of heat and producing potassium hydroxide. This reaction can cause burns and fires, making it important to handle K2O with care. Inhaling or ingesting K2O can cause irritation to the respiratory system, eyes, and skin. Additionally, the high temperature required to melt or vaporize K2O can create a risk of burns or fire. Therefore, proper protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator, should be worn when handling K2O to minimize these risks.
| Hazard Symbols | Oxidizing, Corrosive |
| Safety Description | Keep away from water, do not inhale, wear protective equipment |
| UN IDs | UN 2257 |
| HS Code | 2815.20 |
| Hazard Class | 5.1 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Corrosive to skin and eyes, inhalation may cause respiratory irritation |
Potassium Oxide Synthesis Methods
A variety of methods can synthesize K2O.
One common method involves heating potassium carbonate, K2CO3, to high temperatures in the presence of oxygen. This process produces K2O, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.
Another method involves the reaction of metallic potassium with oxygen gas, producing K2O and releasing a large amount of heat in the process.
A reaction between KOH and a metal oxide, such as copper oxide or iron oxide, can produce K2O. The reaction produces the corresponding metal hydroxide and K2O.
Potassium metal reacts with water to produce potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, resulting in the synthesis of K2O. Dehydration of potassium hydroxide leads to the formation of K2O.
In chemical vapor deposition methods, the high-temperature reactor introduces a gas containing potassium and oxygen to synthesize K2O. The gas undergoes a chemical reaction to produce K2O, which deposits onto a substrate surface.
Potassium Oxide Uses
K2O has a variety of uses in different industries due to its chemical and physical properties. Here are some common uses of K2O:
- Fertilizer Production: An important component in the production of fertilizers. It helps plants to grow and maintain their health.
- Glass Manufacturing: Used in glass manufacturing to reduce the melting temperature and improve the mechanical strength of the glass.
- Metallurgy: Used in metallurgy to produce metals like titanium and aluminum. It helps to remove impurities and improve the overall quality of the final product.
- Petroleum Industry: Used in the petroleum industry as a catalyst in the production of methanol and other chemical products.
- Batteries: Battery manufacturers use K2O as an electrolyte in the production of batteries, especially alkaline batteries.
- Dehydrating Agent: It is a strong dehydrating agent. Used to remove moisture from materials, such as solvents, fuels, and gases.
- Laboratory Reagent: Also used as a laboratory reagent for various chemical reactions and processes.
Questions:
Q: What is the chemical formula for potassium oxide?
A: The chemical formula for potassium oxide is K2O.
Q: What is the formula for potassium oxide?
A: The formula for potassium oxide is K2O.
Q: Is potassium oxide soluble in water?
A: Yes, K2O is soluble in water, although it reacts vigorously with water to produce potassium hydroxide.
Q: How many grams of potassium permanganate are needed to completely oxidize 2g of toluene?
A: The number of grams of potassium permanganate required to completely oxidize 2g of toluene depends on the reaction conditions and stoichiometry. A balanced equation and reaction conditions are necessary to determine the amount of potassium permanganate required.
Q: Is K2O ionic or covalent?
A: K2O is an ionic compound, consisting of K+ cations and O2- anions.
Q: What is K2O?
A: K2O is the chemical formula for potassium oxide, an ionic compound with many industrial applications.
Q: What type of bond is K2O?
A: The bond between potassium and oxygen in K2O is ionic.