Potassium Acetate Formula

Potassium acetate, also known as potassium salt E261, is a salt used in the pharmaceutical and food industries as an additive.

Formula and structure: Potassium acetate chemical formula is CH₃COOK and it molar mass is 98.14 g mol^-1. The molecule is formed by one potassium cation K⁺ and one acetate anion CH₃COO^-. The ions are bond by ionic bond, meanwhile the anion acetate is bond through covalent bonds having a resonance stabilization between both oxygen atoms. Its chemical structure can be written as below, in the common representations used for organic molecules.

Occurrence: Potassium acetate is not found in nature.

Preparation: Potassium acetate can be prepared through the reaction of acetic acid and potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate, in an exothermic reaction:

CH₃COOH + KOH → CH₃COOK + H₂O

2 CH₃COOH + K₂CO₃ → 2 CH₃COOK + CO₂ + H₂O

Physical properties: Potassium acetate is a white, deliquescent, crystalline powder. Its density is 1.8 g mL^-1. The melting point of this salt is 292 °C, and at higher temperatures, it decomposes. Potassium acetate is soluble in water, ethanol, ammonia and methanol and insoluble in organic solvents.

Chemical properties: The anion acetate of the potassium acetate can be used in the neutralization of the metabolites through a replacement during the diabetic ketoacidosis: In this process, the level of potassium in blood can decrease, so the potassium acetate or other salts of potassium can be used to increase up to normal levels.

Uses: Potassium acetate is used during winter as a deicer to remove the ice formed. It is particularly used in airports due to it is less corrosive than other salts. Potassium acetate is also a extinguisher and a food additive. It is used as preservative and acidity regulator by the food industry. It is also used in the mummification of bodys.

Health effects / safety hazards: Potassium acetate can be an irritator of eyes and mucous. It is not flammable.