Differences between potassium acetate and potassium chloride
Potassium acetate and potassium chloride are both chemical substances, and each has its own differences in use and properties.
First, the difference in shape
Potassium acetate, which is a white crystalline powder, smells of acetic acid, and is easily soluble in water. When dissolved, the solution is alkaline. Capsules acetate hydrolyzes in water, and hydroxide ions are produced.
Potassium chloride is a colorless elongated rhombus-shaped or cubic crystal, or a white crystalline powder with small particles, which is salty. It is also easily soluble in water, and the aqueous solution is neutral, because its anions and cations rarely hydrolyze in water.
Second, the preparation of different
potassium acetate is often obtained by the reaction of acetic acid with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate. If acetic acid is combined with potassium hydroxide, the reaction formula is: $CH_3COOH + KOH\ longrightarrow CH_3COOK + H_2O $.
The preparation of potassium chloride is mostly extracted from potassium salt, carnallite and other minerals. It is also obtained by the reaction of potassium hydroxide with hydrochloric acid. The reaction equation is: $KOH + HCl\ longrightarrow KCl + H_2O $.
Third, the use of different
Potassium acetate is used in industry, mostly as a dehydrating agent, a softener for fabrics, etc. In the food industry, it can be used as a preservative to inhibit the growth of microorganisms and maintain the quality of food. In the field of medicine, it also has the effect of regulating the electrolyte balance in the body.
Potassium chloride is also widely used. In agriculture, it is an important potash fertilizer, which can strengthen the stems of plants, increase their resistance to lodging, and promote the fullness of fruits. In medicine, it can treat hypokalemia and regulate the electrolyte balance of the human body. In industry, it can be used as an electrolyte for electroplating, electrolysis and other processes.
From this perspective, although both potassium acetate and potassium chloride contain potassium elements, their shapes, methods of preparation and uses are different. Users should carefully observe their differences to suit their needs.