Potassium oxide hydroxide. It is deliquescent and will absorb water from the atmosphere, initiating this vigorous reaction. The chemical formula KO (or simply 'K') is used in several industrial contexts: the N-P-K numbers for fertilizers, in cement formulas, and in glassmaking formulas. Potassium oxide is often not used directly in these products, but the amount of potassium is reported in terms of the KO equivalent for whatever type of potash was used, such as potassium carbonate. For example, potassium oxide is about 83% potassium by weight, while potassium chloride is only 52%. Potassium chloride provides less potassium than an equal amount of
Potassium hypochlorite Potassium hypochlorite Potassium hypochlorite (chemical formula KClO) is the potassium salt of hypochlorous acid. It is used in variable concentrations, often diluted in water solution. It has a light grey color and a strong chlorine smell. It can be used as a disinfectant. Potassium hypochlorite is produced by the reaction of chlorine with a solution of potassium hydroxide: This is the traditional method, first used by Claude Louis Berthollet in 1789. Another production method is electrolysis of potassium chloride solution. With both methods, the reaction mixture must be kept cold to prevent formation of potassium chlorate. Potassium hypochlorite is used