Potassium Chloride

Potassium Chloride is sometimes referred to as Muriate of Potash and has a chemical formula of KCl. It is a chemical compound composed of Potassium and Chlorine and is known as a metal halide salt. Potassium Chloride appears as odourless white crystals. In nature, Potassium Chloride occurs as Sylvite and can be extracted from Sylvinite.

Potassium Chloride has many applications including uses in fertilizer production, medicine, food processing and as a calibration standard in measuring electrical conductivity. It was used as a fire extinguishing agent in portable fire extinguishers and as a flux for gas welding.

The greatest use of Potassium Chloride is in the manufacture of fertilizers which are applied to soil in order to promote healthy growth of plants. Fertilizers can also be sprayed directly onto leaves, when they are referred to as foliar fertilizers. Organic fertilizers have been used for centuries to improve crop production whereas chemically based inorganic fertilizers have only been widely used in agriculture since the Industrial Revolution. Inorganic fertilizers have dramatically changed the way in which farming takes place on a world scale.

Potassium Chloride has culinary uses as a Sodium-free substitute for table salt or Sodium Chloride, particularly useful for those suffering from high blood pressure (HBP) whose intake of salt should be reduced. However, Potassium Chloride has a bitter flavour so it is often mixed with table salt to produce a more palatable alternative.

A wide range of food processing applications require the use of Potassium Chloride and other chemicals for such things as toxin removal, preservation, transportation of delicate foods across the world, and longer-shelf life.

Potassium Chloride is vital for the human body to function and food supplements can be given to those persons lacking in Potassium Chloride. Potassium is naturally present in fruits and vegetables in the form of Potassium Citrate. Prescription Potassium Citrate is sometimes given as alternative to Potassium Chloride. Medically, Potassium Chloride is given as an antidote to poisoning by digitalis.

Potassium Chloride is one of the drugs administered to complete the lethal injection process of prisoners to whom the death sentence has been given. When given intravenously, Potassium Chloride has a severe effect on the cardiac muscles, causing cardiac arrest and rapid death. Potassium Chloride is the third and final drug delivered in the process of death by lethal injection.

When handling or working with Potassium Chloride always refer to the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) before commencing work. Wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) including approved eye protection, safety clothing, safety footwear and safety gloves. If you have any concerns or queries about using Potassium Chloride consult you approved Potassium Chloride supplier who will be pleased to give advice.