Potassium Bicarbonate
Synonyms: Potassium Hydrogen Carbonate, Potash Bicarbonate
CAS No.: 298-14-6
Molecular Formula: KHCO₃
Molecular Weight: 100.12 g/mol
1. Product Description
Potassium Bicarbonate is a white crystalline or granular powder, odorless and slightly alkaline in taste. It is soluble in water and widely used as a buffering agent, leavening agent, pH regulator, and source of potassium in food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications.
2. Specifications
| Parameter | Food / Pharma Grade | Industrial Grade |
|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline or granular powder | White crystalline or granular powder |
| Assay (as KHCO₃, %) | ≥ 99.0 | ≥ 98.0 |
| pH (1% solution) | 8.2 – 8.6 | 8.0 – 8.6 |
| Loss on Drying (105°C, 2 h) | ≤ 0.25 % | ≤ 0.5 % |
| Chloride (as Cl⁻, %) | ≤ 0.02 | ≤ 0.05 |
| Sulphate (as SO₄²⁻, %) | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.05 |
| Iron (Fe, ppm) | ≤ 5 | ≤ 20 |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb, ppm) | ≤ 5 | ≤ 10 |
| Sodium (Na, %) | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.20 |
| Water Insoluble Matter | ≤ 0.05 % | ≤ 0.1 % |
| Whiteness (%) | ≥ 95 | ≥ 90 |
| Total Plate Count (cfu/g) | ≤ 1000 | — |
| Yeast & Mold (cfu/g) | ≤ 100 | — |
| E. coli / Salmonella | Negative | — |
3. Applications
Food Industry: Leavening agent, pH regulator, anti-caking agent, potassium supplement
Beverages: CO₂ regulator, buffering agent in wine and soft drinks
Pharmaceuticals: Potassium source in electrolyte formulations and effervescent tablets
Agriculture: Eco-friendly fungicide and fertilizer additive
Industrial: Fire extinguisher powders, CO₂ generation systems
4. Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline or fine granular powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Taste | Slightly alkaline |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol |
| Density (bulk) | 2.17 g/cm³ |
| Decomposition Temperature | ~100 °C (releases CO₂ and H₂O) |
| pH (1% solution) | 8.2 – 8.6 |
| Stability | Stable under dry conditions; hygroscopic in air |
5. Storage & Handling
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.
Protect from moisture and acids.
Keep the container tightly sealed when not in use.
Shelf Life: 24 months under recommended conditions.
6. Packaging
| Grade | Packaging |
|---|
| Food / Pharma Grade | 25 kg PE-lined paper bag or HDPE drum |
| Industrial Grade | 25 kg / 50 kg woven bag or jumbo bag |
| Customized packaging | Available upon request |
7. Safety Information
Hazard Classification: Non-toxic, non-flammable, mild irritant to eyes and skin
Handling: Avoid dust inhalation; use gloves and protective goggles during handling
Spillage: Sweep up, collect in clean container, and rinse with water
Environmental: Non-hazardous; safe for normal disposal
8. Compliance
Food Grade: Conforms to FCC, E501(ii) (Potassium Hydrogen Carbonate)
Pharma Grade: Meets USP / EP standards (on request)
Industrial Grade: Conforms to GB/T 1918–2018
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