Abstract

Potassium, the third element in the alkali metal series, is manufactured by a reduction process using sodium and potassium chloride, operated at high temperature. Sodium chloride is the by-product.

Potassium is itself a powerful reducing agent and can serve as an electron source for many chemical reactions. It forms liquid–metal alloys with other alkali metals. The potassium–sodium liquid alloys are ideal for use as heat-transfer, electrical contact, and hydraulic fluids.

Commercially important potassium derivatives prepared from potassium metal include potassium–sodium alloys, alkoxides, amides, hydride, graphite, and superoxide. Most are utilized as reducing agents. A potassium–sodium dispersion provides higher reaction surface and allows reduction at lower temperatures than the individual metals. Potassium alkoxides are strong, nonnucleophilic bases that have good solubilities, selectivities, and stabilities, and are ideal for deprotonation reactions. Potassium graphite, an intercalation compound, can serve as a solid reducing agent. Potassium superoxide, a radical anion, is a strong oxidizing agent, generating oxygen in contact with moisture and carbon dioxide.