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Potassium metal is used in photoelectric cells. Potassium forms many compounds resembling corresponding sodium compounds, based on a valence of 1. A few of the element's most important compounds follow. Potassium bromide (KBr), a white solid formed by the reaction of potassium hydroxide and bromine, is used in Photography, engraving, and lithography, and in medicine as a sedative. Potassium chromate (K2CrO4), a yellow crystalline solid, and potassium bichromate, or potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), a red crystalline solid, are powerful oxidizing agents used in matches and fireworks, in textile dyeing, and in leather tanning. Potassium iodide (KI), a white crystalline compound that is very soluble in water, is used in photography for preparing Gelatin emulsions and in medicine for the treatment of rheumatism and overactivity of the thyroid gland. Potassium nitrate (KNO3), a white solid prepared by fractional crystallization of sodium nitrate and potassium chloride solutions, is used in matches, explosives, and fireworks, and in pickling meat. It occurs naturally as saltpeter. Potassium permanganate (KMnO4), a purple crystalline solid, is used as a disinfectant and germicide and as an oxidizing agent in many important chemical reactions. Potassium sulfate (K2SO4), a white crystalline solid, is an important potassium fertilizer and is also used in the preparation of potassium alum. Potassium hydrogen tartrate (KHC4H4O6), commonly known as cream of tartar, is a white solid used in baking powder and in medicine.

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14y ago

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