Potassium silicate
 | |
| Names | |
|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC name
Potassium metasilicate | |
| Other names
Liquid glass Waterglass | |
| Identifiers | |
1312-76-1  | |
| ChemSpider | 59585  |
| EC Number | 233-001-1 |
| Jmol interactive 3D | Image |
| PubChem | 66200 |
| |
| |
| Properties | |
| K2O3Si | |
| Molar mass | 154.28 g·mol−1 |
| Appearance | White crystals |
| Hazards | |
| EU classification (DSD) |
Corrosive (C), Irritant (Xi) |
| R-phrases | R34, R37 |
| S-phrases | (S1/2), S13, S24/25, S36/37/39, S45 |
| NFPA 704 | |
| Related compounds | |
| Other anions |
Potassium carbonate Potassium germanate Potassium stannate Potassium plumbate |
| Other cations |
Sodium silicate |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| verify (what is ?) | |
| Infobox references | |
Potassium silicate is a water-soluble and glass-forming silicate salt of general formula K2SiO3 with many common uses for at least a century.
Synthesis
Potassium silicate can be synthesized in the laboratory by reacting Potassium Hydroxide with Silicon Dioxide with stirring at 90 °C following this reaction
n SiO2 + 2 KOH → K2O•nSiO2 + H2O
Uses
Woodwork protection against fire
Impregnation of wood with a potassium silicate solution is an easy and low cost way for rendering the woodwork of houses secure against catching fire. The woodwork is first saturated with a diluted and nearly neutral solution of potash silicate. After drying, one or two coats of a more concentrated solution are usually applied.[1]
Horticulture
In horticulture, potassium silicate is used as a soluble source of potassium and silicon. It makes the growing medium more alkaline.
Industrial uses
Some metal cleaning formulations use potassium silicate, which also serves as a corrosion inhibitor.[2] It also finds various uses in the fabrication of welding rods or even of cosmetics.
See also
References
- ↑ Cobleigh, Rolfe (1909). Handy farm devices and how to make them. Part II: Worth knowing to render wood fireproof. New York: Orange Judd.
- ↑ Elmore AR (2005). "Final report on the safety assessment of potassium silicate, sodium metasilicate, and sodium silicate". Int. J. Toxicol. 24 (Suppl 1): 103–17. doi:10.1080/10915810590918643. PMID 15981734.