Product Overview
Potassium Bicarbonate (chemical formula: KHCO₃) is a white, odorless crystalline powder used in a wide range of industries. It is a potassium-based salt of carbonic acid and serves as a mildly alkaline compound with excellent solubility in water. It decomposes upon heating to form potassium carbonate, carbon dioxide, and water.
It is commonly used as a leavening agent, fire suppressant, nutritional supplement, and fungicide, and is widely accepted in food, agriculture, and industrial sectors.
Product Specifications
Parameter | Specification |
---|---|
Chemical Name | Potassium Bicarbonate |
Chemical Formula | KHCO₃ |
Molecular Weight | 100.11 g/mol |
CAS No. | 298-14-6 |
EINECS No. | 206-059-0 |
Purity (KHCO₃) | ≥ 99.0% (food grade) |
Appearance | White crystalline powder |
Solubility | Soluble in water |
pH (1% solution) | 8.2 – 8.5 |
Chloride (Cl⁻) | ≤ 0.01% |
Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 2 ppm |
Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1 ppm |
Moisture | ≤ 0.3% |
Bulk Density | ~1.0 g/cm³ |
E Number | E501(ii) |
Grade | Food Grade / Industrial Grade |
Packaging | 25kg or 50kg PP/PE bags or kraft bags |
Production Process
Potassium Bicarbonate is typically produced via a reaction between potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) under controlled conditions:
K₂CO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O → 2KHCO₃
This method ensures high purity and minimal by-products. The product is then crystallized, dried, and milled to the desired particle size.
Applications
🥖 Food Industry
Leavening Agent: Used as a substitute for baking soda in low-sodium products
Acidity Regulator: Maintains pH balance in food and beverages
Effervescent Formulations: Common in vitamin tablets and instant drinks
🌾 Agriculture
Fungicide: Controls powdery mildew and other fungal diseases in organic farming
Fertilizer Additive: Supplies essential potassium (K⁺) for plant growth
Soil pH Adjuster: Reduces soil acidity in targeted applications
🧪 Industrial Uses
Fire Extinguishers: Used in dry chemical formulations for Class B & C fires
CO₂ Generator: In laboratories and fermentation processes
Chemical Synthesis: Intermediate for potassium carbonate and other potassium salts
Benefits and Effects
Low Sodium Alternative: Suitable for sodium-restricted diets and heart-healthy foods
Environmentally Friendly: Non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe for human and environmental health
Dual Function: Acts as both potassium source and pH buffer in agricultural and chemical processes
Safe for Organic Use: Approved by many organic agriculture certification bodies
TDS -E501(ii) Potassium bicarbonate.pdf