Potassii Carbonas. Potassium Carbonate. K2Co3 = 137.91. Synonym. - Salt of Tartar.

Source

Pearlash, which is a product of the lixiviation of wood ashes, is treated with water, which dissolves little but potassium carbonate, and the solution is evaporated.

Characters

A white, granular powder, odorless, having a very strong alkaline taste; very deliquescent. Solubility. - In 1.1 parts of water, and in 0.65 part of boiling water; insoluble in alcohol.

Impurities

Sulphates, chlorides, nitrates, cyanides, earthy and metallic matters.

Potassium Carbonate is used in preparing Mistura Ferri Composita, Pilulae Ferri Carbonatis (in which Ferrous Carbonate is formed), and Potassa Sulphurata.

Dose, 5 to 30 gr.; .30 to 2.00 gm.

Action and Therapeutics of Potassium Carbonate

These are the same as those of potash; but the carbonate is less caustic.