![]() ![]() The first ionization energy of potassium is more than the compensated lattice energy for most ionic compounds. The large difference between the first and second ionization energy of elements suggests the preferred oxidation state of the alkali metals will be +1. Therefore fractional distillation was carried out to obtain the metal. But higher volatility of K in the temperature range 850 ☌ to 880 ☌, sifts the equilibrium towards the right. The reduction process is rather unusual since K is a better reducing agent than Na but at 850 ☌, they are in chemical equilibrium. Commercially, it was prepared by reduction of molten KCl by sodium metal at 850 ☌. Production processĬommercial production of potassium by electrolysis of molten KCl is not favored because it is quite soluble in the molten electrolyte and does not float on the top. The radioactive isotopes of K have been used as tracers in studies of weathering and medicine. There are 25 known isotopes of potassium but only three like 39K, 40K, and 41K are found in nature. A massive deposit of potash is found in many places of the world like Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The soluble minerals of the metal are called potash. Like sodium, K salts are also leached out from the silicon minerals by the action of the weather. Sylvite (KCl), sylvinite (KCl, NaCl), and Carnallite (KCl, MgCl 2, 6H 2O) are the most common ores of potassium metal. With the increasing atomic number, the elements become rare. Therefore, it is placed on the s-block of the periodic table with group members of hydrogen, lithium, sodium, rubidium, and francium.Īll the alkali metals like Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs are widely distributed in the earth’s crust of our nature. The valence shell electronic configuration of potassium 4s 1. Properties of Potassiumīody-centered cubic crystal lattice (bcc) Name, symbol, discovery, and some important properties of the elements are given below the table. This fact leads to the development of analytical chemistry for the estimation of metals by flame photometer. ![]() It gives a characteristic violet flame due to easy excitation of the outermost s-electron. The small electron affinity and electronegativity also lead to the formation of ionic compounds. The large size and small charge of the cation favored the formation of ionic bonding in the compounds. Potassium has the largest size among the period-3 elements. Due to the very low first ionization energy, it loses one electron to form a K + cation. It has only one electron in the s-orbital over a noble gas core. The physical and chemical properties of potassium can be readily understood in terms of its outer electronic configuration. The large difference between the first and second ionization energy suggests the preferred oxidation number or state of the potassium will be +1. Many compounds of potassium have been used since the early days of human civilization. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |