White or practically white, fused masses, or small pellets, or flakes, or sticks, or other forms. Is hard and brittle and shows a crystalline fracture. Exposed to air, it rapidly absorbs carbon dioxide and moisture, and deliquesces.
Appearance (EP, BP)
White or almost white, crystalline hard masses, supplied as sticks, pellets or irregularly shaped pieces, deliquescent, hygroscopic, absorbing carbon dioxide
Appearance (JP)
White fused masses, in small pellets, in flakes, in sticks and in other forms. It is hard and brittle, and shows crystalline fracture. It deliquesces in the presence of moisture
Solubility (USP)
Very soluble in boiling alcohol; freely soluble in water, in alcohol, and in glycerin
Solubility (EP, BP)
Very soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol 96.0%
Solubility (JP)
It is freely soluble in water and in ethanol (95%), and practically insoluble in diethyl ether
Identification A : Potassium (USP)
Meets the requirements
Identification A : pH (EP, BP)
>= 10.5 (0.01% in water at 25°C)
Identification 1 (JP)
A solution of potassium hydroxide (1 in 500) is alkaline
Identification B : pH (USP)
>= 10.5 (0.01% in water at 25°C)
Identification B : Potassium (EP, BP)
Gives reaction (b) for potassium
Identification 2 (JP)
Reactions for potassium salt
Appearance of solution (EP, BP)
10% solution in water is clear and colourless
Clarity and colour of solution (JP)
5% solution in water is clear and colourless
Carbonate (EP, BP)
<= 2.0%
Chloride (EP, BP)
<= 0.02%
Chloride (JP)
<= 0.05%
Sulfate (EP, BP)
<= 0.02%
Phosphate (EP, BP)
<= 0.01%
Iron (EP, BP)
<= 0.001%
Aluminium (EP, BP)
<= 0.00002%
Heavy metals (USP)
<= 0.0030%
Sodium (USP, EP, BP)
<= 1.00%
Sodium (JP)
No persistent yellow colour develops
Insoluble substances (USP)
5% solution in water is complete, clear, and colourless
Content of Potassium (USP)
>= 59.90%
Potassium carbonate (USP)
<= 3.50%
Potassium carbonate (JP)
<= 2.00%
Assay (H2SO4 Titration) (USP, JP)
min. 85.00%
Assay (HCl Titration) (EP, BP)
85.00-100.50%
Storage and Shelf Life
Storage Conditions
Store below 30°C away from bright light.
Shelf life
48 months
Usage Instruction
Use before expiry date given on the product label.