Potassium group of substances. Potassium oxide: formula, interaction. The role of potassium in the body, symptoms of deficiency and excess
![Potassium group of substances. Potassium oxide: formula, interaction. The role of potassium in the body, symptoms of deficiency and excess](https://i0.wp.com/kratkoe.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/kaliy.jpg)
Potassium- denoted by the symbol K - chemical element of group I of the periodic system of Mendeleev;
- atomic number 19,
- atomic mass 39.098;
Potassium is a silvery-white, very light, soft and fusible metal.
The element consists of two stable isotopes - 39K (93.08%), 41K (6.91%) and one weakly radioactive 40K (0.01%) with a half-life of 1.32 109 years.
The element potassium is located in the fourth period of the periodic table, which means that all electrons are located in four energy levels. Thus, the structure of the potassium atom is written as follows: +19 K: 2е; 8е; 8е; 1е.
Based on the structure of the atom, it is possible to predict the oxidation state of C1 potassium in its compounds. Since in chemical reactions the potassium atom gives up one outer electron, exhibiting reducing properties, therefore, it acquires an oxidation state of +1.
The reducing properties of potassium are more pronounced than those of sodium, but weaker than those of rubidium, which is associated with an increase in radii from Na to Rb.
Potassium is a simple substance; it is characterized by a metallic crystal lattice and a metallic chemical bond, and hence all the properties typical of metals.
The metallic properties of potassium are more pronounced than those of sodium, but weaker than those of rubidium, because A potassium atom gives up an electron more easily than a sodium atom, but more difficult than a rubidium atom.
The metallic properties of potassium are more pronounced than those of calcium, because It is easier to remove one electron from a potassium atom than two electrons from a calcium atom.
Potassium oxide K 2 O is a basic oxide and exhibits all the typical properties of basic oxides. Interaction with acids and acid oxides.
K 2 O + 2 HCl = 2 K Cl + H 2 O;
K 2 O +SO 3 = K 2 SO 4
The base (alkali) KOH corresponds to potassium hydroxide, which exhibits all the characteristic properties of bases: interaction with acids and acid oxides.
KOH + HNOz = KNO 3 + H 2O;
2KOH + H 2 O 5 = 2KNO 3 + H 2 O.
Potassium does not form a volatile hydrogen compound, but forms potassium hydride KH
In nature, potassium is found only in combination with other elements, for example, in sea water, as well as in many minerals. It oxidizes very quickly in air and very easily enters into chemical reactions, especially with water, forming an alkali. In many respects, the chemical properties of potassium are very similar to sodium, but in terms of biological function and use by the cells of living organisms, they are still different.
There are three main classes of compounds. These are acids, alkalis and oxides. An acid consists of a hydrogen cation and an acidic anion. Alkali - made from a metal cation and a hydroxyl group. We will talk about oxides in more detail later.
What is an oxide?
This is a compound consisting of two different chemical elements, one of which is oxygen. The second one can be metal or non-metal. The number of oxygen atoms depends on the valence of the second chemical element included in the compound. So, for example, the valence of potassium is one, so potassium oxide will contain one oxygen atom and two potassium atoms. The valency of calcium is two, so its oxide will consist of one oxygen atom and one calcium atom. The valency of phosphorus is five, so its oxide consists of two phosphorus atoms and five oxygen atoms.
In this article we will talk in more detail about potassium oxide. Namely - about its physical and chemical properties, about its application in various fields of industry.
Potassium oxide: formula
Since the valency of this metal is one, and the valence of oxygen is two, this chemical compound will consist of two metal atoms and one oxygen atom. So, potassium oxide: formula - K 2 O.
Physical properties
The oxide in question has a pale yellow color. Sometimes it can be colorless. At room temperature it has a solid state of aggregation.
The melting point of this substance is 740 degrees Celsius.
The density is 2.32 g/cm 3 .
The thermal decomposition of this oxide produces peroxide of the same metal and pure potassium.
Soluble in organic solvents.
It does not dissolve in water, but reacts with it.
It is highly hygroscopic.
Chemical properties of K 2 O
This substance has chemical properties typical of all basic oxides. Let us consider the chemical reactions of this oxide with various substances in order.
Reaction with water
First of all, it is capable of reacting with water to form the hydroxide of this metal.
The equation for such a reaction is as follows:
- K 2 O + H 2 O = 2 KON
Knowing the molar mass of each substance, the following conclusion can be drawn from the equation: from 94 grams of the oxide in question and 18 grams of water, 112 grams of potassium hydroxide can be obtained.
With other oxides
In addition, the oxide in question is capable of reacting with carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide). In this case, a salt is formed - potassium carbonate.
The reaction equation for potassium oxide and carbon oxide can be written as follows:
- K 2 O + CO 2 = K 2 CO 3
So, we can conclude that from 94 grams of the oxide in question and 44 grams of carbon dioxide, 138 grams of potassium carbonate are obtained.
Also, the oxide in question can react with sulfur oxide. In this case, another salt is formed - potassium sulfate.
The interaction of potassium oxide with sulfur oxide can be expressed by the following equation:
- K 2 O + SO 3 = K 2 SO 4
It shows that by taking 94 grams of the oxide in question and 80 grams of sulfur oxide, you can get 174 grams of potassium sulfate.
In the same way, K 2 O can react with other oxides.
Another type of interaction is reactions not with acidic, but with amphoteric oxides. In this case, it is not an acid that is formed, but a salt. An example of such a chemical process is the interaction of the oxide in question with zinc oxide.
This reaction can be expressed by the following equation:
- K 2 O + ZnO = K 2 ZnO 2
It shows that when the oxide in question interacts with zinc oxide, a salt called potassium zincate is formed. If you know the molar mass of all substances, then you can calculate that from 94 grams of K 2 O and 81 grams of zinc oxide you can get 175 grams of potassium zincate.
K2O is also capable of interacting with nitric oxide. In this case, a mixture of two salts is formed: potassium nitrate and nitrite. The equation for this reaction looks like this:
- K 2 O + 2NO 2 = KNO 3 + KNO 2
If you know the molar masses of substances, we can say that from 94 grams of the oxide in question and 92 grams of nitrogen oxide, you can get 101 grams of nitrate and 85 grams of nitrite.
Interaction with acids
The most common case is potassium oxide + sulfuric acid = potassium sulfate + water. The reaction equation looks like this:
- K 2 O + H 2 SO 4 = K 2 SO 4 + H 2 O
From the equation we can conclude that to obtain 174 grams of potassium sulfate and 18 grams of water, it is necessary to take 94 grams of the oxide in question and 98 grams of sulfuric acid.
In a similar way, a chemical interaction occurs between the oxide in question and nitric acid. This produces potassium nitrate and water. The equation for this reaction can be written as follows:
- 2K 2 O + 4HNO 3 = 4KNO 3 + 2H 2 O
Thus, from 188 grams of the oxide in question and 252 grams of nitric acid, 404 grams of potassium nitrate and 36 grams of water can be obtained.
By the same principle, the oxide in question can react with other acids. During this process, other salts and water will be formed. So, for example, when this oxide reacts with phosphoric acid, phosphate and water are obtained, with chloride acid - chloride and water, and so on.
K 2 O and halogens
The chemical compound in question is capable of reacting with substances of this group. Halogens are simple compounds consisting of several atoms of the same chemical element. These are, for example, chlorine, bromine, iodine and some others.
So, chlorine and potassium oxide: equation:
- K 2 O + CI 2 = KSI + KSIO
As a result of this interaction, two salts are formed: potassium chloride and potassium hypochlorite. From 94 grams of the oxide in question and 70 grams of chlorine, 74 grams of potassium chloride and 90 grams of potassium hypochlorite are obtained.
Interaction with ammonia
K 2 O is able to react with this substance. As a result of this chemical interaction, potassium hydroxide and amide are formed. The equation for this reaction is as follows:
- K 2 O + NH 3 = KOH + KNH 2
Knowing the molar masses of all substances, you can calculate the proportions of reactants and reaction products. From 94 grams of the oxide in question and 17 grams of ammonia, you can get 56 grams of potassium hydroxide and 55 grams of potassium amide.
Interaction with organic substances
Among organic chemicals, potassium oxide reacts with ethers and alcohols. However, these reactions are slow and require special conditions.
Obtaining K 2 O
This chemical can be obtained in several ways. Here are the most common ones:
- From potassium nitrate and potassium metal. These two reactants are heated, resulting in the formation of K 2 O and nitrogen. The reaction equation is as follows: 2KNO 3 + 10K = N 2 + 6K 2 O.
- The second method occurs in two stages. First, a reaction occurs between potassium and oxygen, resulting in the formation of potassium peroxide. The reaction equation looks like this: 2K + O 2 = K 2 O 2. Next, the peroxide is enriched with potassium, resulting in potassium oxide. The reaction equation can be written as follows: K 2 O 2 + 2K = 2K 2 O.
Use of K2O in industry
The most commonly used substance in question is in the agricultural industry. This oxide is one of the components of mineral fertilizers. Potassium is very important for plants, as it increases their resistance to various diseases. The substance in question is also used in construction, as it may be present in some types of cement. In addition, it is used in the chemical industry to produce other potassium compounds.
Potassium is the name given to element number 19 in Mendeleev's periodic table. The substance is usually denoted by the capital letter K (from the Latin Kalium). In Russian chemical nomenclature, the present name of the element appeared thanks to G.I. Hess in 1831. Initially, potassium was called “al-kali”, which means “plant ash” in Arabic. It was caustic potassium that became the material for the very first production of the substance. Caustic potassium, in turn, was extracted from potash, which was a product of burning plants (potassium carbonate). Its discoverer was H. Davy. It is worth noting that potassium carbonate is the prototype of a modern detergent. It was later used for fertilizers used in agriculture, glass production and other purposes. Currently, potash is a food additive that has undergone official registration, and they have learned to extract potassium in completely different ways.
In nature, potassium can only be found in the form of compounds with other elements (for example, sea water or minerals); its free form does not occur at all. It is capable of oxidizing in the open air in a fairly short period of time, and also entering into chemical reactions (for example, when potassium reacts with water, an alkali is formed).
Country, part of the world | General reserves | Reserves confirmed | Their % of the world | Average content |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Russia | 19118 | 3658 | 31,4 | 17,8 |
Europe | 3296 | 2178 | 18,5 | - |
Belarus | 1568 | 1073 | 9,1 | 16 |
Great Britain | 30 | 23 | 0,2 | 14 |
Germany | 1200 | 730 | 6,2 | 14 |
Spain | 40 | 20 | 0,2 | 13 |
Italy | 40 | 20 | 0,2 | 11 |
Poland | 10 | 10 | 0,1 | 12 |
Ukraine | 375 | 292 | 2,5 | 11 |
France | 33 | 10 | 0,1 | 15 |
Asia | 2780 | 1263 | 10,8 | - |
Israel | 600 | 44 | 0,4 | 1,4 |
Jordan | 600 | 44 | 0,4 | 1,4 |
Kazakhstan | 102 | 54 | 0,5 | 8 |
China | 320 | 320 | 2,7 | 12 |
Thailand | 150 | 75 | 0,6 | 2,5 |
Turkmenistan | 850 | 633 | 5,4 | 11 |
Uzbekistan | 159 | 94 | 0,8 | 12 |
Africa | 179 | 71 | 0,6 | - |
Congo | 40 | 10 | 0,1 | 15 |
Tunisia | 34 | 19 | 0,2 | 1,5 |
Ethiopia | 105 | 42 | >0,4 | 25 |
14915 | 4548 | 38,7 | - | |
Argentina | 20 | 15 | 0,1 | 12 |
Brazil | 160 | 50 | 0,4 | 15 |
Canada | 14500 | 4400 | 37,5 | 23 |
Mexico | 10 | - | 0 | 12 |
USA | 175 | 73 | 0,6 | 12 |
Chile | 50 | 10 | 0,1 | 3 |
Total: | 40288 | 11744 | 100 | - |
Description of potassium
Potassium in its simple form is an alkali metal. It is characterized by a silvery-white color. A fresh surface instantly becomes shiny. Potassium is a soft metal that can be easily melted. If the substance or its compounds are placed in the flame of a burner, the fire will acquire a pink-violet color.
Physical properties of potassium
Potassium is a very soft metal that can be easily cut with a regular knife. Its Brinell hardness is 400 kn/m2 (or 0.04 kgf/mm2). It has a body-centered cubic crystal lattice (5 = 5.33 A). Its density is 0.862 g/cm 3 (20 0 C). The substance begins to melt at a temperature of 63.55 0 C, and boils at 760 0 C. It has a coefficient of thermal expansion, which is equal to 8.33 * 10 -5 (0-50 0 C). Its specific heat capacity at a temperature of 20 0 C is 741.2 J/(kg*K) or 0.177 cal/(g* 0 C). At the same temperature, it has a specific electrical resistivity equal to 7.118 * 10 -8 ohm * m. The temperature coefficient of electrical resistance of the metal is 5.8 * 10 -15.
Potassium forms cubic crystals, space group I m3m, cell parameters a= 0.5247 nm, Z = 2.
Chemical properties
Potassium is an alkali metal. In this regard, the metallic properties of potassium manifest themselves typically, just like other similar metals. The element exhibits its strong chemical activity, and in addition, also acts as a strong reducing agent. As mentioned above, the metal actively reacts with air, as evidenced by the appearance of films on its surface, as a result of which its color becomes dull. This reaction can be observed with the naked eye. If potassium is in contact with the atmosphere for a sufficiently long time, then there is a possibility of its complete destruction. When it reacts with water, a characteristic explosion occurs. This is due to the hydrogen released, which ignites with a characteristic pinkish-violet flame. And when phenolphthalein is added to water that reacts with potassium, it acquires a crimson color, which indicates an alkaline reaction of the resulting potassium hydroxide (KOH).
When a metal interacts with elements such as Na, Tl, Sn, Pb, Bi, intermetallic compounds are formed
The indicated characteristics of potassium indicate the need to comply with certain safety rules and conditions during storage of the substance. So, the substance should be coated with a layer of gasoline, kerosene or silicone. This is done to completely eliminate its contact with air or water.
It is worth noting that at room temperature the metal reacts with halogens. If you heat it up a little, it easily interacts with sulfur. If the temperature increases, potassium is able to combine with selenium and tellurium. If you increase the temperature to more than 200 0 C in a hydrogen atmosphere, then KH hydride is formed, which can ignite without outside help, i.e. on one's own. Potassium does not interact with nitrogen at all, even if the proper conditions are created for this (increased temperature and pressure). However, these two substances can be brought into contact by influencing them with an electrical discharge. In this case, you get potassium azide KN 3 and potassium nitride K 3 N. If you heat graphite and potassium together, the result is carbides KC 8 (at 300 ° C) and KC 16 (at 360 ° C).
When potassium and alcohols react, alcoholates are obtained. In addition, potassium significantly speeds up the process of polymerization of olefins and diolefins. Haloalkyls and haloaryls together with the nineteenth element result in potassium alkyls and potassium aryls.
Characteristic | Meaning |
---|---|
Properties of the atom | |
Name, symbol, number | Potassium / Kalium (K), 19 |
Atomic mass (molar mass) | 39.0983(1) a. e.m. (g/mol) |
Electronic configuration | 4s1 |
Atomic radius |
235 pm |
Chemical properties | |
Covalent radius | 203 pm |
Ion radius | 133 pm |
Electronegativity | 0.82 (Pauling scale) |
Electrode potential | −2.92 V |
Oxidation states | 0; +1 |
Ionization energy (first electron) |
418.5 (4.34) kJ/mol (eV) |
Thermodynamic properties of a simple substance | |
Density (at normal conditions) | 0.856 g/cm³ |
Melting temperature | 336.8K; 63.65 °C |
Boiling temperature | 1047K; 773.85 °C |
Ud. heat of fusion | 2.33 kJ/mol |
Ud. heat of vaporization | 76.9 kJ/mol |
Molar heat capacity | 29.6 J/(K mol) |
Molar volume | 45.3 cm³/mol |
Crystal lattice of a simple substance | |
Lattice structure | Cubic body-centered |
Lattice parameters | 5.332 Å |
Debye temperature | 100 K |
Electronic structure of the potassium atom
Potassium has a positively charged atomic nucleus (+19). In the middle of this atom there are 19 protons and 19 neutrons, which are surrounded by four orbits where 19 electrons are in constant motion. Electrons are distributed in orbitals in the following order:
1s 2 2s 2 2p 6 3s 2 3p 6 4s 1 .
The outer energy level of a metal atom contains only 1 valence electron. This explains the fact that in absolutely all compounds, potassium has a valency of 1. Unlike lithium and sodium, this electron is located at a greater distance from the nucleus of the atom. This is the reason for the increased chemical activity of potassium, which cannot be said about the two metals mentioned. Thus, the outer electron shell of potassium is represented by the following configuration:
Despite the presence of vacant 3 p- and 3 d-orbitals, there is no excited state.
Benefits of potassium for the human body
The role of potassium in the human body is:
- Improves oxygen exchange, increases brain activity.
- Regular consumption of potassium-containing foods is an excellent prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Potassium lowers blood pressure and normalizes heart rate, strengthens blood vessels.
- Has a beneficial effect on muscle tissue. Potassium helps maintain muscle tone and recover after intense exercise. Prevents the occurrence of aching pain and cramps.
- Participates in the processing of glucose, ensures proper contraction of muscle fibers.
- Maintains fluid balance and intracellular pressure. It is part of all fluids of the human body.
- Improves the functions of the urinary system, prevents the deposition of waste and fluid stagnation.
- Works closely with magnesium, helping to maintain its optimal concentration (magnesium is extremely important for protecting the heart).
- Normalizes the body's energy balance.
- It is actively used to treat diseases of the nervous system: it stabilizes the condition, helps to avoid depression and breakdowns. Relieves fatigue syndrome.
- Strengthens bones. For their health, they need not only calcium and fluoride, but also minerals, including potassium. This macronutrient protects against the onset of osteoporosis.
- Improves metabolic processes. Potassium helps the body break down and absorb certain elements. If you're on a diet and the weight isn't coming off, make sure you're getting enough potassium in your diet.
Main sources of potassium
![](https://i1.wp.com/hudey.net/uploads/images/c9/42/85/c9428551-b3d1-4f55-b5f3-88afbdd6120b_640x0_resize.jpg)
Sources of potassium are conventionally divided into four groups:
- Low content (up to 100 mg per 100 grams of product).
- Average level (content 150-250 mg per 100g).
- High content (250-390 mg).
- Very saturated (about 400 mg).
Plant sources of potassium (Table 1):
- Dried fruits.
- Cereals (buckwheat, oats, millet).
- Vegetables (tomatoes, beets, carrots, pumpkin, spinach, cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, zucchini, cabbage).
- Legumes (soybeans, peas, beans).
- Berries (lingonberries, grapes, currants, cranberries, blackberries, viburnum, blueberries).
- Fruits (bananas, citrus fruits, apples, melon, apricots, etc.).
- Nuts (almonds, peanuts, pine, hazelnuts).
- Mushrooms (ceps, champignons, chanterelles, boletus, etc.).
Animal sources of potassium (Table 1):
- Fish (cod, tuna, mackerel, etc.), seafood.
- Dairy products (kefir, milk, hard cheese, cottage cheese, butter).
- Liver.
- Poultry, beef, lamb.
- Eggs.
Table 1. Potassium content in foods
Potassium, mg per 100 g |
|
Dried apricots | 1715 |
Kelp | 970 |
Green peas | 870 |
Spinach | 836 |
Hazelnut | 717 |
Lentils | 670 |
Potato | 568 |
Cabbage | 494 |
Salmon | 490 |
Banana | 379 |
Greens (parsley, spinach, lettuce) | 340 |
Cod | 340 |
Apricot | 306 |
Beet | 258 |
Peach | 203 |
Citrus | 180-197 |
Expert advice. Potassium evaporates easily from food at high temperatures and when exposed to liquids. Potassium deficiency peaks in winter, when people consume limited amounts of fresh vegetables and fruits
- Minimal heat treatment.
- Cook foods in a small amount of water.
- Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Ideally, dishes should be baked, not overcooked and not stewed for a long time.
Potassium mixture recipe. You will need 300g of dried apricots, raisins, prunes, figs, 1 cup of walnuts, 1 cup of honey (preferably fresh), 2 lemons. Grind the lemons in a meat grinder, finely chop the nuts. Mix with dried fruits and honey, store in a cool, dark place. Eat a heaped teaspoon three times a day 1.5 hours after meals. The potassium norm for humans is given in Table 2.
Table 2. Daily value of potassium
Daily value, mg |
|
Infants, babies up to 2 years old | 400-600 |
Children 3-5 years old | 3000 |
Children 6-8 years old | 3800 |
Children 9-13 years old | 4500 |
Teen girls Teenage boys |
4600 |
Men | 4700 |
Pregnant and lactating women | Up to 5100 |
During treatment and intense exercise | Up to 5000 |
Interaction with other elements
![](https://i1.wp.com/hudey.net/uploads/images/af/8e/97/af8e978e-c7e6-440d-9e30-07a71e389599_640x0_resize.jpg)
What you need to know about potassium:
- Combines well with sodium and magnesium. Potassium promotes the absorption of magnesium and the excretion of sodium.
- It is better absorbed if you take vitamin B6 at the same time.
- Potassium absorption is prevented by alcohol-containing drinks, caffeine, and sugar.
- Some medications Triamterene, Sulfamethoxazole, as well as inhibitors and potassium-containing salts can artificially increase potassium in the blood.
- Table salt consumed in large doses can cause potassium deficiency.
- Some heart medications and diuretics remove potassium from the body.
- Rubidium, cesium, and thallium are considered antagonists and can also displace potassium from the body.
Deficiency and excess of potassium in the body
![](https://i0.wp.com/hudey.net/uploads/images/3c/f2/93/3cf2934f-6ad3-47e4-8d83-d55a85cad836_640x0_resize.jpg)
Potassium deficiency is common and there are a number of reasons for this:
- Unbalanced diet.
- Disorders of metabolic processes in the body.
- Diseases of the digestive organs, kidneys.
- Dehydration of the body due to medication, poisoning, etc.
- Overload of the nervous system.
- Excessive intake of micro- and macroelements into the body, displacing potassium.
- Abuse of coffee, alcohol and sweets.
Potassium deficiency manifests itself as follows:
- Immunity decreases.
- You feel constant fatigue and frequent muscle cramps.
- Chronic exhaustion.
- Frequent urination.
- Deterioration of the condition of hair, skin (becomes dry) and nails.
- Hypertension.
- Increased heart rate and breathing.
- The appearance of ulcers and erosions on the mucous membranes.
- Diseases of the reproductive system.
- Swelling of the limbs and face.
- Problems with bowel movements.
In pregnant women, potassium deficiency is accompanied by nausea, muscle weakness, and persistent toxicosis.
In the future, hypokalemia can lead to arrhythmia and disruption of the body’s acid-base balance. The risk of developing diabetes and heart disease increases.
If alarming symptoms appear, contact a specialist. Simple tests and a cardiogram are often sufficient to make a diagnosis. Don't self-medicate
Excess potassium in the body may appear in the following cases:
- Abuse of potassium-containing drugs.
- Following a diet containing foods high in potassium.
- Violation of metabolic processes.
- Insulin deficiency.
- Kidney failure.
- Changes in hormonal levels (in particular, the sympathoadrenal system).
A single dose of 6 g of potassium can disrupt basic body functions; 14 g is considered a lethal dose. So you need to approach the choice of products and medications responsibly. If the concentration of potassium in the blood exceeds 5 mmol/l, we can talk about hyperkalemia.
Symptoms of hyperkalemia:
- Increased excitability, anxiety, nervous state.
- Increased sweating.
Muscle tremors, convulsions, and in severe cases, paralysis. - Arrhythmia.
- Colic in the stomach and intestines.
- Increased blood sugar levels.
- Increased urine output.
A serious overdose of potassium can impair heart function. Potassium is deposited in the ligaments, causing muscle cramps and short-term paralysis. The risk of developing urolithiasis and diabetes increases.
Preparations with potassium
![](https://i2.wp.com/hudey.net/uploads/images/b8/39/31/b83931c2-3ebb-45d1-b565-ea0d3f954747_640x0_resize.jpg)
Potassium preparations are available in the following forms:
- Solutions and soluble tablets.
- Capsules.
- Coated tablets.
The most common drugs:
- Asparkam. Contains 175 mg of potassium and magnesium aspartate. There are 20-50 tablets in a package. Often prescribed for diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Potassium chloride. Available in tablets and ampoules (dosage 40 mg/ml), administered intravenously, referred to as “hot” injections. Tablets in dosages from 500 to 1500 mg.
- IonicKalium. Spray 60 ml, contains potassium ions. It is injected under the tongue, and the macroelement is absorbed into the mucous membrane without entering the digestive system.
- Potassium orotate. Contains 500 mg of potassium in each tablet, 10-50 pieces per pack.
- Panangin. Contains 45.2 mg of potassium and magnesium in high concentration. There is also a Forte form - 316 mg of potassium per tablet.
- Kudesan. Complex with potassium and magnesium. Contains 250 mg magnesium aspartate and 450 mg potassium aspartate. The complex is enriched with ubichon, which improves the immune system.
In medium dosages, potassium is included in vitamin-containing preparations: Vitrum (40 mg), Centrus (40 mg), Vitalux (40 mg), TeravitAntistress (80 mg).
For medicinal purposes, drugs with higher concentrations are used: Pamaton, Aspacard, Orocamag, Aspariginate, etc.
How to take potassium-containing medications:
- It is recommended to take vitamins and potassium tablets after meals.
- Do not chew tablets and capsules. The liquid form is most often injected under the tongue.
- Take the tablets with plenty of water.
- Add soluble drugs to water or juice and drink in small sips within 5 minutes.
- It is not recommended to administer the drug in ampoules yourself.
Not every person knows the features of chemical reactions with potassium. We invite you to watch some interesting experiments with this metal in the video below.
0.12 grams kills a person in 5 hours. This is how cyanide works potassium. One of the most powerful poisons is the salt of hydrocyanic acid. It is also called hydrocyanic. The substance contains the 19th element. However, pure potassium is a benefit to the body, not a killer.
Even a child needs at least 600 milligrams of the element per day. Otherwise, the functioning of muscles, including the heart, is disrupted. Convulsions occur and neuralgia may develop.
It is possible to compensate for the deficiency by eating dried apricots, seafood, nuts, citrus fruits, and bananas. Move these products closer and continue exploring element #19.
Chemical and physical properties of potassium
The name of the element was given by one of its compounds, known since antiquity - potassium carbonate. The Arabs called it “al-kali” and used it when washing clothes. Reacting with water potassium salts“give birth” to an alkaline environment. Fabrics are still cleaned in it today.
Over the centuries, carbonate has found other uses. The substance has become a food stabilizer. How does it perform this role? potassium? Water and oil, for example, do not mix. But, in the presence of carbonate, it is still possible to obtain a homogeneous composition. The packaging will be marked “E501”.
U potassium mass connections. The 19th element is included in the first group of the periodic table, and it contains only alkali metals. All of them have only 1 electron in the outer electronic level.
This makes the elements active reducing agents. Electronic potassium formula four-layer. Therefore, the metal is in the 4th period of the periodic table. That is, the outer electron is removed from the nucleus and is easily detached and replaced.
In its purest form potassium - substance firm and yet light. The element's density is only 0.06 grams per cubic centimeter. The atomic mass is also small - 39.098 grams per mole. By the way, potassium contains only atoms. They form the crystal lattice. A simple substance does not form molecules.
Mass of potassium is small, like most metal indicators. It cannot even boast of hardness, even though the state of matter under normal conditions is the same. The element is given less than 1 point.
Potassium can be easily cut with a knife, as if it were not metal, but cheese. It is not difficult to melt the substance. Heating up to 63.5 degrees is enough. Achieving a boil is more difficult; you need 700 Celsius.
Being a metal, the element has a characteristic . The color of the substance is silvery-white, with a grayish tint. If there is water nearby, it is better to admire the ingots from a distance.
When immersed in liquid, potassium explodes. The metal easily reacts with oxygen, instantly oxidizing. No special conditions are needed for this. All you need is an atmosphere and potassium.
Which the result of the reaction of a metal with oxygen? An oxide of the 19th element is formed. A flame is also formed. When ignited in air, potassium glows purple. The reaction is one of the ways to identify an alkali metal.
Oxygen is one of the halogens, that is, elements of the 17th group of the periodic table. Potassium easily reacts with each of them according to the principle of addition. Substances combine into one. This is how it turns out potassium chloride, iodite, bromide, fluoride and more. The joining always takes place at elevated temperatures.
The 19th element also interacts with some complex substances. It's not just water. Anything can react with metal acid. Potassium displaces hydrogen atoms from the substance. Thus, when mixed with hydrochloric acid, hydrogen and chloride are “born”. The reaction takes place under normal conditions.
Interaction with oxides is possible only at elevated temperatures. Most reactions proceed according to an exchange scheme. This is where the restorative properties come into play. potassium Reaction with cuprum oxide, for example, it gives an oxide of the 19th element and pure cuprum.
The same principle of reduction applies to interaction with salts. If they contain elements that are less active from a chemical point of view, potassium replaces their atoms. As a result, pure metals are mined. Thus, the combination with chloride gives aluminum in its pure form.
Reactions with metal hydroxides occur only if they are located to the right of potassium in the series of electrochemical activity. Let's take barium as an example, or more precisely, its hydroxide. Union with the 19th element guarantees the presence of potassium hydroxide. The barium will be released.
Potassium uses
Potassium is needed not only by the human body, but also by their industry. Metal cyanide is purchased by gold miners. The reagent helps them extract precious elements from ore. It makes it easier to obtain not only silver, but also silver.
Metal formate is useful in oil production. It serves as a liquid for drilling wells, that is, it is used potassium solution. Fluoride metal is used in metallurgy as a... This is what industrialists call additives that reduce the melting point. Fluxes also facilitate the separation of waste rock and slag from metal.
Potassium tetrafluorobromate is present at nuclear power plants. Without it, you cannot get uranium hexafluoride. It is the stage of separating uranium from impurities of rare earth elements. With the help of potassium, fluorides, rhenium are also obtained, and the nuclear industry cannot do without them.
Potassium carbonate has found a place in the glass industry. Small additions of the substance improve the optical properties of the product. The carbon dioxide form of the metal is also used for soap making. Pyrotechnic products contain chlorate of the 19th element, and household chemicals contain phosphate.
Potassium sulfate– a popular fertilizer for plants. In general, approximately 90% of the mined salts of the 19th metal go specifically to the production of fertilizers. They accelerate the growth of crops, increase productivity, and provoke lush flowering. So, instead of sulfate, you can choose potassium nitrate. In addition to fertilizer, it is listed as a food additive and flavor enhancer.
The element was not lost on the doctors either. Potassium orotate– a medicine used for diseases of the biliary tract and liver. Potassium permanganate– antiseptic. Potassium-magnesium- a duet included in "Panangin". It replenishes the deficiency of both elements.
Metals are best absorbed in steam. If combined in a preparation sodium And potassium, you can debug the conduction of nerve impulses in the body. So, there are a lot of areas of application for the 19th element. It is to the advantage of humanity that potassium is not rare.
Potassium mining
Most often found in nature potassium salts. Most of them are in Russia, in the Urals. It’s not for nothing that one of the cities in the region is named Solikamsk. Large deposits are also being developed in Belarus. The third largest potassium reserves in the world were discovered 10 years ago in Brazil.
If pure metal needs to be isolated, the fossils are mixed with liquid sodium. Electrolysis of potassium chloride also works. The current is carried out in its mixture with carbonate of the 19th element at a temperature of about 800 degrees Celsius.
After the reaction, potassium requires purification. Vacuum distillation helps. Sometimes potassium hydroxide is subjected to electrolysis. The method is not common. It is difficult to comply with safety regulations. Industrialists are also not satisfied with the current output.
Potassium price
On non-ferrous metals exchanges, the 19th element costs at least $1,000. This is the price tag per ton of metal. Costs vary for potassium compounds. It all depends on the demand for the substance and the volume of supplies. Potassium nitrate, for example, is sold for 60-75 rubles per kilogram.
The medicine Ororat also costs about 50 rubles. For 100 tablets potassium iodite they ask for 140-170 rubles. A 10-millimeter ampoule of element 19 chloride costs buyers 30-40 rubles.
A similar volume of permanganate costs the same. A 40-kilogram bag of fertilizer in the form of sulfate is offered for 3,200 – 3,700 rubles. Prices are average. They differ in different regions and from different suppliers. Often, sellers' requests depend on supply volumes. Wholesalers are promised discounts.