Potassium

Potassium (CAS 7440-09-7), also known as Kalium, is an alkali metal in refined elemental form used as a reactive reducing agent and chemical intermediate.

Where is Potassium used?

• Food and nutrition: mineral fortification in functional foods, dietary supplements and electrolyte formulations
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: precursor in synthesizing potassium-based active ingredients and excipients
• Agriculture: production of potassium fertilizers that correct soil deficiencies and support yield in potassium-sensitive crops
• Industrial chemical synthesis: strong reducing agent in specialty organic reactions
• In food, pharmaceutical and agricultural contexts it functions primarily as a source of potassium ion activity.

Good to know: Elemental potassium is highly reactive with moisture and air, so it is supplied in sealed, inert-atmosphere packaging. It is typically provided as ingots, lumps, or dispersions in mineral oil for safe handling and storage.

Commercial specifications

• Purity specifications vary by application; high-purity grades are available for pharmaceutical and specialty chemical use.