white, granular mass; sensitive to light [MER06]
The monohydrate consists of a white granular mass; starts melting above 200°C; soluble in water, about 15 g/100mL at 20°C; decomposes in boiling water, evolving oxygen.
Potassium percarbonate is used in photography under the name “Antihypo” for removing the last traces of thiosulfate from film and paper. It is a strong oxidizing agent in certain chemical analysis; and in microscopic identification of tubercle bacilli.
Potassium percarbonate can be prepared by electrolysis of potassium car-bonate, K2CO3.
