Potassium silicate

Potassium silicate

Names
Preferred IUPAC name Potassium metasilicate
Other names Liquid glass Waterglass
Identifiers
CAS Number	1312-76-1 N
ChemSpider	59585 Y
EC Number	233-001-1
Jmol 3D model	Interactive image
PubChem	66200
InChI InChI=1S/2K.O3Si/c;;1-4(2)3/q2*+1;-2 Y Key: NNHHDJVEYQHLHG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/2K.O3Si/c;;1-4(2)3/q2*+1;-2 Key: NNHHDJVEYQHLHG-UHFFFAOYAP
SMILES [K+].[K+].[O-][Si]([O-])=O
Properties
Chemical formula	K2O3Si
Molar mass	154.28 g·mol−1
Appearance	White crystals
Vapor pressure	{{{value}}}
Related compounds
Other anions	Potassium carbonate Potassium germanate Potassium stannate Potassium plumbate
Other cations	Sodium silicate
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
N verify (what is YN ?)
Infobox references

Potassium silicate is a water-soluble and glass-forming silicate salt of general formula K₂SiO₃ with many common uses for at least a century.

Synthesis

Potassium silicate can be synthesized in the laboratory by reacting Potassium Hydroxide with Silicon Dioxide with stirring at 90 °C following this reaction

n SiO₂ + 2 KOH → K₂O•nSiO₂ + H₂O

Uses

Woodwork protection against fire

Impregnation of wood with a potassium silicate solution is an easy and low cost way for rendering the woodwork of houses secure against catching fire. The woodwork is first saturated with a diluted and nearly neutral solution of potash silicate. After drying, one or two coats of a more concentrated solution are usually applied.

Horticulture

In horticulture, potassium silicate is used as a soluble source of potassium and silicon. It makes the growing medium more alkaline.

Industrial uses

Some metal cleaning formulations use potassium silicate, which also serves as a corrosion inhibitor. It also finds various uses in the fabrication of welding rods or even of cosmetics.

See also

• Sodium silicate