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Potassium
Potassium (K) is a soft, silvery metal and a highly reactive alkali metal. It has a melting point of 63.5 °C and is known for its rapid oxidation in air and violent reaction with water. Due to its low density and strong electropositivity, potassium is widely studied in chemical research and energy-related applications. While not used in structural components due to its reactivity, it plays a vital role in compounds and specialized processes. Its electrical conductivity is high for a non-transition metal, and its ion (K⁺) is essential in biological systems.
Goodfellow’s potassium products, including potassium pellets, support a wide array of scientific and industrial applications. Potassium is essential in the development of novel compounds and catalysts, particularly in chemical processing, materials science, and electrochemical research. In the field of energy storage, potassium-based materials contribute to battery research and the development of next-generation energy solutions. Additionally, Potassium's unique properties enable advancements in fields like agriculture, where it is critical for plant growth research. Our high-quality potassium products offer precision for laboratory researchers and for those in a diverse range of industries, including chemistry, energy, and agriculture.
Properties
Identifiers
Isotopes
Applications
Grades
Synonyms
General Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Atomic Number | 19 |
| Density | 0.86 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 63.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 759 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 102.5 W/m·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 72 nΩ·m |
| Crystal Structure | Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Not typically defined (very soft) |
| Yield Strength | ~2 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus | 3.53 GPa |
| Hardness | Mohs ~0.4 |
| Elongation at Break | High (very ductile when pure) |
| Poisson’s Ratio | N/A |
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Poor (reacts rapidly with air and water) |
| Reactivity | Extremely high; must be stored under oil or inert gas |
| Oxidation States | +1 |
| Surface Oxide | Potassium oxide (K₂O) |
| Identifier | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | K |
| Atomic Number | 19 |
| CAS Number | 7440-09-7 |
| UN Number | UN2257 |
| EINECS Number | 231-119-8 |
| Isotope | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| K-39 | Stable | Most abundant (93.3%) |
| K-40 | Radioactive | Naturally occurring; used in geological dating |
| K-41 | Stable | Used in isotope studies |
Scientific Applications
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Synthesis | Strong reducing agent in organic and inorganic reactions |
| Spectroscopy Standards | Used in calibration and elemental analysis |
| Ion Transport Studies | Key for simulating biological ion channels |
| Energy Research | Investigated in potassium-ion battery systems |
| Catalysis | Alkali-promoted catalysis research |
Industrial Applications
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Heat Transfer Medium | Used in specialized high-temperature cooling systems |
| Pyrotechnics | Component in color-producing and oxidizing mixtures |
| Alloying | Experimental lightweight alloys |
| Glass Manufacturing | Used in specialty glass and ceramics |
| Fertilizer Industry (as compounds) | Source of K⁺ in nutrient formulations |
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 99.97% | High-purity potassium ideal for controlled laboratory reactions, sensitive chemical synthesis, and prototype energy systems. |
| Synonym |
|---|
| Potassium metal |
| K |
| Kalium |