Abstract

Water-soluble salts of potassium, collectively called potash, are important for the manufacture of numerous articles of commerce and for direct application as fertilizers. Other uses of potassium compounds range from use in specialty glass to that of food additives. Potassium chloride, the most commonly used potash and the raw material for the manufacture of most of the other potassium compounds, is principally obtained from the mining of sylvinite. The ore refinement process, which includes crushing, scrubbing, hydraulic desliming, froth flotation, centrifugation, and drying is described. Potassium hydroxide is produced industrially by electrolysis of the chloride. The hydroxide is used for the production of the commercially important potassium carbonate and potassium phosphates. Several processes are used to convert potassium chloride to other potassium compounds such as the sulfate. Potassium magnesium sulfate is also an important fertilizer. Other compounds of commercial importance include the potassium salts of acetate, bromide, bicarbonate, formate, iodide, permanganate, and acid tartrate. Potassium has an essential role for the biochemistry of both plants and animals. Potassium compounds commonly used in fertilizers are not considered to be hazardous; however, potassium may be paired with a poisonous, corrosive, or oxidizing anion and requires special handling.