Potassium sulfate

Potassium sulfate (CAS 7778-80-5), also known as potassium sulphate and approved as food additive E515, is a soluble inorganic salt supplying both potassium and sulfur. These are two nutrients critical to crop yield and quality. In non-agricultural markets, it functions as a processing aid, buffering agent, and mineral supplement across food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications. In agriculture, it is the preferred potassium fertilizer for chloride-sensitive crops.

It is used for tobacco, citrus, grapes, and vegetables, delivering sulfur alongside potassium without the chloride load of muriate of potash. Food manufacturers use it as a firming agent and acidity regulator in processed products. This is particularly useful where sodium reduction is a formulation priority. Pharmaceutical producers incorporate it as an excipient and mineral source in oral dosage forms and electrolyte preparations to ensure high quality.

In industrial chemistry, it serves as a flux in glass and cement production and as a catalyst precursor in certain sulfation processes. It is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granule, with granular forms predominating. Standard grades include technical, food-grade (FCC), and pharmaceutical-grade (USP/BP), each meeting distinct purity thresholds for their respective end markets. These standards ensure the material is fit for purpose.

Bulk supply in big bags or loose loads is standard for fertilizer-grade material, while finer milled grades are packaged for food and pharma use. This versatility makes it a staple in global chemical distribution networks.