What is KHCO3? Important knowledge about KHCO3

1. Definition of KHCO₃
   KHCO₃, also known as bicarbonate, hydrogencarbonate or hydroxycarbonate, is a salt of carbonic acid. In English, we often call it Potassium bicarbonate. It has a molecular weight of 100.115 amu and an atomic mass of 100.12 g/mol. Each KHCO₃ molecule consists of one K+ ion (potassium) and one HCO₃- ion (bicarbonate).

2. Properties of KHCO₃
   2.1 Physical properties of KHCO₃
   KHCO₃ in the solid state is white, odorless, and has a pH value of approximately 8.2-8.3, indicating strong alkalinity.
   2.2 Chemical properties of KHCO₃
   KHCO₃ can react with acid to produce water, carbonic gas, and salt. It can also decompose thermally to produce potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃), water (H₂O), and carbonic gas (CO₂).

3. Common chemical equations of KHCO₃
   KHCO₃ cannot react with metals but can react with acids such as H₂SO₄, HNO₃… to create salt, water, and carbonic gas. It also does not react with non-metals.
   Examples with acid:

   • KHCO₃ + H₂SO₄ -> K₂SO₄ + H₂O + CO₂
   • 2KHCO₃ + 2HNO₃ -> 2KNO₃ + 2H₂O + 2CO₂

4. Synthesizing KHCO₃

4.1 Laboratory synthesis of KHCO₃
KHCO₃ can be synthesized by reacting potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) with carbonic acid (H₂CO₃).
Example:

• K₂CO₃ + H₂CO₃ -> 2KHCO₃
  4.2 Industrial synthesis of KHCO₃
  In industry, KHCO₃ is usually produced by reacting potassium hydroxide (KOH) with carbonic gas (CO₂).