Potassium chloride (KCl) is a white crystalline salt composed of potassium and chloride ions. It is a common dietary supplement used to treat low potassium levels in the blood. It is also used as a salt substitute and in various industrial applications.
Key Properties:
- Appearance: White crystalline solid
- Chemical formula: KCl
- Molar mass: 74.55 g/mol
- Melting point: 770 °C (1418 °F)
- Boiling point: 1420 °C (2588 °F)
- Density: 1.984 g/cm³
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Uses:
- Dietary supplement: Potassium chloride is used to treat hypokalemia, a condition where potassium levels in the blood are too low.
- Salt substitute: It is used as a salt substitute for people who need to reduce their sodium intake.
- Fertilizer: Potassium chloride is a valuable source of potassium, an essential nutrient for plant growth.
- Food preservative: It is used as a preservative in certain foods.
- Industrial applications: Potassium chloride is used in various industrial processes, such as the production of fertilizers, batteries, and pharmaceuticals.
