Preparation of Potassium Oxide
some preparation methods are
1. With the help of potassium peroxide:
The obtained product is potassium peroxide, that is, potassium oxide obtained by reacting K 2 O 2 with potassium metal.
K2O2 + 2K → 2K2O
When potassium peroxide is heated at 500°C, it breaks down into pure potassium oxide and oxygen molecules.
2K2O2 → 2K2O2 + O2 ↑
2. With the help of potassium nitrate:
When potassium nitrate is treated with potassium metal, nitrogen gas is released, forming potassium oxide. This method is more beneficial than the first method.
2KNO₃ + 10K → 6K₂O + N₂ ↑
3. With the help of potassium hydroxide:
Potassium hydroxide cannot be further dehydrated to oxides. But it can react with molten potassium to form potassium oxide and release hydrogen gas as a by-product.
2KOH + 2K ⇌ 2K₂O + H₂ ↑
4. With the help of potassium metal:
Potassium oxide is formed when potassium metal reacts with oxygen. The reaction is expressed as
4K + O2 → 2K2O
Physical Properties of Potassium Oxide
Potassium is a member of the sodium group, Group I of the periodic table. It tends to complete its octet by releasing electrons. Therefore, its free form is highly reactive. When treated with oxygen, it readily forms bonds with O atoms and forms potassium oxide. Some physical properties of potassium oxide are:
It is a pale yellow or white crystalline solid compound.
This molar mass is 94.2 g/mol.
It is widely used as fertilizer.
It is denser than water. Its density is 2.35 gm/cm³.
It is an odorless compound.
It decomposes at 740°C.
Soluble in ethanol and ether.
Its heat capacity is 83.62 J/mol K.
Its molecules form an inverse fluorite structure.
Chemical Properties of Potassium Oxide
A chemical property of a compound is a property that changes the chemical composition of the compound. Since potassium is a highly reactive metal, it is a reactive compound that can react violently.
Reacts with excess water to be highly corrosive, and this compound forms potassium hydroxide.
K2O + H2O → KOH
It is a metal oxide, and generally metal oxides are alkaline. Therefore, it is alkaline or alkaline and highly corrosive.
When it reacts with strong acids, salt and water are formed. This reaction indicates that it is a basic compound.
K2O + HCl → KCl + H2O
K2O + H2SO4 → K2SO4 + H2O
K2O + HNO3 → 2KNO3 + H2O
These reactions are examples of neutralization reactions.
When heated above 300°C, it converts to potassium peroxide and metallic potassium.
2K2O → K2O2 + 2K
Potassium Oxide Uses And Applications k2o compound name
It is very reactive and reacts readily with moisture. It is used for various purposes. some of them are
In agriculture, it is widely used as fertilizer.
It is also used in glass making formulations and cement making industries.
It is insoluble in water and is a highly stable compound. This feature makes it handy in the ceramic industry.
It is used by veterinarians to treat diseases related to animals.
Commonly, it is called pure potash and is used to make glass and soap.
In the aerospace industry it is used to make structural compounds and lightweight bowls.
Like Zygomycetes, etc., fungal infections are used to treat such infections.
In small amounts, it is also used in some medicines.
Safety precautions when using potassium oxide
It can be used for a variety of purposes, but its high reactivity makes it a hazardous chemical. Therefore, precautions must be taken while using it. However, if potassium oxide is somehow exposed, first aid must be administered immediately. all these are
1. If eyes come into contact with potassium oxide:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 30 minutes.
Lift eyelids up and down to wash eyes.
When washing your eyes, remove contact lenses, if you are wearing them.
Seek medical attention immediately.
2. If your skin comes into contact with potassium oxide:
Remove all contaminated clothing as soon as possible.
Immediately flush contaminated area with plenty of water.
Seek medical attention immediately.
3. If you inhaled potassium oxide:
Remove persons exposed to potassium peroxide from their position.
If his breathing stops, first aid can be started by giving him artificial respiration.
If his heart stops working, give him CPR.
Prompt transfer to medical facility.
in conclusion
After reading the above article, you now know everything about potassium oxide. It is a mineral acid with highly reactive properties. The chemical formula of potassium oxide is K2O. It is alkaline or basic. When treated with a strong acid, it undergoes a neutralization reaction. Due to its different properties, it is mainly used as an agricultural fertilizer. It is useful in the glass, ceramic and optical industries. Toxic by ingestion and inhalation. Precautions must be taken due to its toxicity