The alloy is also used as a catalyst or reducing agent in organic synthesis. Sodium-potassium alloy (NaK) is used to a limited extent as a heat-transfer coolant in some fast-breeder nuclear reactors and experimentally in gas-turbine power plants. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content.
Potassium reacts very vigorously with water, liberating hydrogen (which ignites) and forming a solution of potassium hydroxide, KOH. It also can be formed by oxidation of potassium amalgam with dry air or oxygen.) The metal is also used as an alloy with sodium as a liquid metallic heat-transfer medium. (The superoxide of potassium is a yellow solid consisting of K +and O 2 − ions.
There is little commercial demand for potassium metal itself, and most of it is converted by direct combustion in dry air to potassium superoxide, KO 2, which is used in respiratory equipment because it liberates oxygen and removes carbon dioxide and water vapour. Efforts to devise a scheme for commercial electrolytic production of potassium have been unsuccessful because there are few salt additives that can reduce the melting point of potassium chloride to temperatures where electrolysis is efficient. By condensation of the more volatile potassium at the top of the distillation tower, the reaction Na + KCl → K + NaCl is forced to the right. Molten KCl is continuously fed into a packed distillation column while sodium vapour is passed up through the column. Potassium is produced by sodium reduction of molten potassium chloride, KCl, at 870 ☌ (1,600 ☏). Which French chemist was the first to isolate codeine? Who is credited with the discovery of uranium? Test your knowledge. SpaceNext50 Britannica presents SpaceNext50, From the race to the Moon to space stewardship, we explore a wide range of subjects that feed our curiosity about space!.Learn about the major environmental problems facing our planet and what can be done about them! Saving Earth Britannica Presents Earth’s To-Do List for the 21st Century.Britannica Beyond We’ve created a new place where questions are at the center of learning.100 Women Britannica celebrates the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment, highlighting suffragists and history-making politicians.
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