Chemical laboratory

Potassium Bicarbonate

High-Purity Alkaline Compound for Multiple Industries

  • CAS 298-14-6
  • Formula KHCO₃
  • Flash Pt N/A °C
  • Density 2.17 g/cm³
Shop Product Download SDS

Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point Decomposes °C
Flash point N/A °C
Density 2.17 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility 22.4 g/100 mL (20°C) -
Ph 8.2 (1% solution) -
Molecular weight 100.115 g/mol g/mol
Melting point N/A °C
Vapor pressure N/A mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance White crystalline powder -
Odor Odorless -
Vapor density N/A g/cm³

Overview

Potassium Bicarbonate (KHCO₃) is a white, odorless crystalline powder that serves as a versatile alkaline compound across numerous industrial and commercial applications. With its molecular weight of 100.115 g/mol and CAS number 298-14-6, this highly soluble salt offers excellent buffering capabilities and pH adjustment properties. Its unique characteristics make it an essential ingredient in food processing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and fire suppression systems.

Key Applications

As a buffering agent, Potassium Bicarbonate maintains stable pH levels in various chemical processes and formulations. The food industry relies on it as both a leavening agent in baking applications and as a food additive for pH control and preservation. In agriculture, it functions as an effective fungicide, helping protect crops from fungal diseases while providing essential potassium nutrients. The compound also plays a crucial role in fire suppression systems, particularly in Class K fire extinguishers for commercial kitchens, where its decomposition releases carbon dioxide to suppress flames.

Safety & Handling

Potassium Bicarbonate is generally considered safe to handle, with no flash point or autoignition temperature concerns since it's non-flammable. However, proper personal protective equipment including safety glasses, gloves, and dust masks should be worn to prevent eye and respiratory irritation from airborne particles. Ensure adequate ventilation when handling large quantities to minimize dust exposure. While the compound has low toxicity, avoid prolonged skin contact and never ingest industrial-grade material.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store Potassium Bicarbonate in tightly sealed containers away from moisture, heat, and incompatible materials such as strong acids. The compound should be kept in a cool, dry location at ambient temperatures to prevent caking and maintain product quality. When stored properly in original packaging, it maintains excellent shelf stability. Avoid storage near acidic materials, as contact can cause rapid decomposition and gas evolution.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical delivers Potassium Bicarbonate with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible shipping options including UPS for smaller quantities and LTL/FTL freight for bulk orders. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure you receive consistent, high-quality product that meets your specifications.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

Frequently Asked Questions

What is potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) and what is it used for in industry and labs?
Potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) is a white crystalline inorganic salt used as a reagent, pH buffer, and neutralizing agent in chemical manufacturing and laboratory processes. Typical industrial uses include formulation and process chemistry, pH control, and as a general-purpose inorganic chemical for synthesis and neutralization tasks.
How should I store potassium bicarbonate and what is its typical shelf life?
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in a tightly closed container away from acids and moisture to prevent caking and decomposition. When kept sealed and dry, commercial material is stable for at least 1–3 years; verify shelf life with the supplier and COA for specific lots.
What safety precautions and personal protective equipment are recommended when handling KHCO3?
Use basic PPE including safety goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and a dust mask or local exhaust to minimize dust exposure; avoid inhalation and prolonged skin contact. In case of eye or skin contact, flush with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists; refer to the Safety Data Sheet for emergency measures.
How do different concentrations of potassium bicarbonate affect its use?
Concentration determines solubility, buffering capacity, and reactivity: solid powder is supplied for weighing or formulation, while aqueous solutions are prepared to the molarity required by the process. Specify the concentration or grade needed for your application so the supplier can advise on solubility limits and handling.
What documentation is available for potassium bicarbonate purchases?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) on request, and can supply regulatory and shipping documentation as needed. Review these documents for purity, impurity limits, and handling guidance before use.
How is potassium bicarbonate shipped and what packaging options are available?
KHCO3 is commonly shipped as a non-hazardous commodity in lined paper bags, multiwall sacks, plastic drums, or flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) in 25–1000 kg pack sizes. Transport classification varies by jurisdiction, so confirm local transport and import regulations with the carrier and supplier.
What materials is potassium bicarbonate compatible with and what should be avoided?
KHCO3 is compatible with most plastics (HDPE, PP) and stainless steels for storage and handling; avoid prolonged contact with carbon steel and reactive acids, which will generate CO2 and may corrode metals. Store away from strong oxidizers and acid sources to prevent unwanted reactions or gas evolution.
What are the typical technical specifications for potassium bicarbonate (purity, formula, molar mass)?
Typical specifications include formula KHCO3 and a molar mass of approximately 100.12 g/mol, physical form as a white crystalline powder, and purity ranges commonly from technical grade (~95%) to reagent grade (≥99%). Exact impurity limits, water content, and particle size are provided on the product COA.
Which industries and laboratory applications commonly use potassium bicarbonate?
Common sectors include chemical manufacturing, analytical and research laboratories, water treatment operations, and fire suppression formulations, where it is used as a reagent, buffer, neutralizing agent, or solid chemical feedstock. Specific uses vary by industry and are determined by required grade and purity.
How can I purchase potassium bicarbonate and what should I ask suppliers about availability?
Potassium bicarbonate is available from chemical distributors in multiple grades and pack sizes; request the desired grade (technical, reagent), required quantity, COA, SDS, lead time, and any custom packaging needs. For regular supply, ask about minimum order quantities, stock status, and shipping options to confirm availability.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

Ready to Purchase?

SDS & COA included • Same-day shipping • No minimum order

Shop Potassium Bicarbonate