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Potassium Acetate

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Identification
Molecular formula

H3CO2K

CAS number
127-08-2
State
Melting point (Celsius)
292.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
565.00
General information
Molar mass
98.1500g/mol
Density
1.5700g/cm3
Appearence

white deliquescent crystalline powder

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Potassium Methanoate (H3CO2K)

Potassium methanoate, commonly referred to as potassium formate, exhibits notable solubility characteristics in various solvents. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Water: Potassium methanoate is highly soluble in water. This high solubility can be attributed to its ionic nature, which allows it to effectively dissociate in an aqueous environment.
  • Organic Solvents: It shows limited solubility in non-polar organic solvents, which is typical for ionic compounds. However, it may have some solubility in polar organic solvents.
  • Temperature Dependency: The solubility in water can increase with temperature, a common trait among many ionic compounds.

In practical applications, the solubility of potassium methanoate is essential in various fields such as food processing, de-icing agents, and even in certain pharmaceutical formulations.

Overall, the solubility of H3CO2K plays a critical role in its functionality and usability across different industries, making it a compound of interest for further research.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Potassium Methanoate

Potassium methanoate, also known as potassium formate, is an intriguing chemical compound with various applications across multiple fields. Here are some fascinating elements to consider:

  • Salt of Formic Acid: Potassium methanoate is the potassium salt of formic acid (HCOOH), making it a simple yet significant derivation in organic chemistry.
  • Biodegradable Properties: Due to its environmentally friendly nature, potassium methanoate is utilized in de-icing applications. It offers a less harmful alternative to traditional road salts.
  • Industrial Uses: In many industries, it serves as a feedstock for synthesizing various chemicals and can also act as a buffering agent in biochemical processes.
  • Presence in Nature: Surprisingly, potassium methanoate is also found naturally in some plants and is produced in small quantities during the decomposition of organic matter.
  • Uses in Biochemistry: Its role as a carbon source for microbial fermentation is valuable in studies of microbial metabolism and cell growth.

Moreover, potassium methanoate's involvement in studies pertaining to ionic liquids and its unique behavior in solution contribute to ongoing research in physical chemistry. As scientists continue to explore its properties and applications, potassium methanoate stands out as a prominent compound with diverse relevancy in modern chemistry.

As noted by famed chemist Robert H. Grubbs, "The understanding of simple compounds often pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries in chemistry." Potassium methanoate is a prime example of this principle.