Potassium bicarbonate (also known as potassium hydrogen carbonate or potassium acid carbonate) is a colorless, odorless, slightly basic, salty substance. Physically, potassium bicarbonate occurs as a crystal or a soft white granular powder. Potassium bicarbonate is very rarely found in its natural form, the mineral called kalicinite. This compound is a source of carbon dioxide for leavening in baking, extinguishing fire in dry chemical fire extinguishers, acting as a reagent, and a strong buffering agent in medications. It is used as an additive in winemaking and as a base in foods and to regulate pH. It is a common ingredient in club soda, where it is used to soften the effect of effervescence.
- Formula
- KHCO3
- Molar mass
- 100.114 g/mol
- CAS Number
- 298-14-6
- Density
- 2.17 g/cm3 at 20°C (68°F)
- Purity/Grade
- 99.7% (ACS Reagent)
- Appearance
- Granular
- Water solubility
- 362 g/l at 25°C (77°F)
- Melting point/freezing point
- Decomposes before melting
- pH
- 8.2 at 10.01 g/l