Potassium sulfate (K2SO4) non-flammable white crystalline salt which is soluble in water. Chemical compound commonly used in fertilizers, providing both potassium and sulfur. K concentration in the soil is often too low to support healthy plant growth. Potassium is needed to complete many essential functions in plants, such as active enzyme reactions, protein synthesis, the formation of starches and sugars, and regulate the flow of water in the cells and leaves. Potassium is an excellent source of nutrition for plants. Section K of K2SO4 is different from other common potash fertilizers. However, it will also provide a valuable source S, which is sometimes a lack of growth.
Potassium sulfate is the inorganic compound with formula K2SO4. It is a white water-soluble solid. It is commonly used in fertilizers, providing both potassium and a source of sulfur.
The mineral form of potassium sulfate, arcanite, is relatively rare. Natural resources of potassium sulfate are minerals abundant in the Stassfurt salt. These are cocrystallizations of potassium sulfate and sulfates of magnesium calcium and sodium.
Relevant minerals are:
The potassium sulfate can be separated from some of these minerals, like kainite, because the corresponding salt is less soluble in water.
Kieserite, MgSO4·H2O, can be combined with a solution of potassium chloride to produce potassium sulfate.
The dominant use of potassium sulfate is as a fertilizer. K2SO4 does not contain chloride, which can be harmful to some crops. Potassium sulfate is preferred for these crops, which include tobacco and some fruits and vegetables. Crops that are less sensitive may still require potassium sulfate for optimal growth if the soil accumulates chloride from irrigation water.
It is sometimes used as a salt subtitute.
The crude salt is also used occasionally in the manufacture of glass. Potassium sulfate is also used as a flash reducer in artillery propellant charges. It reduces muzzle flash, flareback and blast overpressure.
It is sometimes used as an alternative blast media similar to soda in soda blasting as it is harder and similarly water-soluble.
Sometimes, when put over a fire, potassium sulfate can make it purple.
Approximately million tons were produced typically by the reaction of potassium chloride with sulfuric acid, analogous to the Mannheim process for producing Potassium sulfate. The process involves intermediate formation of potassium bisulfate, an exothermic reaction that occur at room temperature:
The second step of the process is endothermic, requiring energy input:
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