K2CO3 or Potassium Carbonate is an inorganic type of compound, which is used in industries producing glass, soap, etc. Let us discuss some facts about it.
The structure of K2CO3 consists of two atoms of Potassium element, three atoms of oxygen, and one atom of carbon element. It is also referred to as potash and its observed density is around 2.43 g/cm3. Its molar mass is 138.20 g/mol.
Coming to its physical properties, it melts at a temperature of 891°C. It decomposes on boiling. The heat capacity of potash is 114 J mol-1K-1. It is obtained when hydroxide of Potassium is reacted with carbon dioxide. Let us study some important facts about it in the following sections.
How to draw K2CO3 lewis structure?
We can understand the bonding process in potash better with the lewis structure concept. Let us understand the drawing lewis structure for K2CO3 in detail.
1. Finding out the total number of valence electrons
The total number of valence electrons in the K2CO3 Lewis structure is 26. The number of electrons contributed from potassium is 1 each by the 2 atoms of potassium. Hence 1×2 = 2 electrons by potassium.
The contribution from carbon is 4, oxygen has 6 valence electrons and there are 3 atoms of oxygen. Hence 6×3= 18. There are 2 electrons extra on carbonate, which symbolizes from -2 charge. The total valence electrons, 2+5+18+2 = 26 electrons.
2. Deciding the least electronegative atom
This step involves deciding the atom with the least electronegativity. The atom in the middle must be the one with less electronegativity in comparison to the other atoms in the structure. The carbon atom will be placed in the middle of the structure as its electronegativity is the least.
3. Placing electrons appropriately between atoms
First step involves satisfying the valency of carbon. As there are 3 oxygen atoms, 2 O atoms will share one pair of electrons each forming a single bond. The 3rd O atom will share 2 pairs of electrons, resulting in a double bond. In this way the respective valencies are satisfied.
But there exists -2 charge on carbonate, which means there are 2 more electrons available. Potassium with valency 1 will transfer this electrons to carbonate (2 atoms of Potassium). So, 2 atoms of K are written on both sides of the carbonate structure. The charges are now balanced.
K2CO3 lewis structure shape
The arrangement type of atoms in structure plays a key role in the geometry. Let us discuss the shape of K2CO3.
The lewis structure of K2CO3 is ionic, and in this type of bonding molecule does not have a definite shape. But they will have a crystal lattice system. So K2CO3 has monoclinic type of crystal lattice system.
K2CO3 lewis structure formal charge
The formal charge on any atom will help in predicting the energy (lower). Let us find out for K2CO3 lewis structure.
The formal charge on the K2CO3 lewis structure is 0. It is a neutral molecule.
The equation for the calculation of formal charge is
- Formal charge = valence electrons – lone pairs of electrons – No. of bonds
- Formal charge on carbonate ion (C) = -2
- Formal charge on Potassium (2 atoms) = +2
The charge on Carbonate ion -2 and potassium +2 balance each other, hence the formal charge on the overall molecule is 0.
K2CO3 lewis structure angle
The angle in the structure will give an idea about the type of arrangement of atoms. Let us find out for K2CO3 lewis structure.
The bond angle in the K2CO3 lewis structure is 90°C. The angles describing a monoclinic crystal system are denoted as alpha and gamma. So for K2CO3, these angles are α=γ=90°.
K2CO3 lewis structure octet rule
This term in simple words means that the outer shell of any atom must have 8 electrons. Let us check for K2CO3.
K2CO3 lewis structure follows the octet rule. Potassium has one electron in the outer shell which it can easily give. So there is a bonding between the valence electrons of Potassium and carbonate ion. In this bonding process, all the atoms satisfy their valencies.
K2CO3 lewis structure lone pairs
Lone pairs of electrons do not participate in the bonding process. Let us see for K2CO3.
The lone pairs on the K2CO3 lewis structure, 8 lone pairs on carbonate ion and 3 lone pairs of electrons on Potassium, but there are two atoms of Potassium. Hence lone pairs on the 2 K atoms are 6.
K2CO3 valence electrons
The total number of electrons that are present in the outer shell of a molecule are called to be valence electrons. Let us see for K2CO3.
The valence electrons in the K2CO3 lewis structure are 26. Potassium has 1 electron in its outer shell, 2 K atoms so 2 electrons. Coming to the carbonate structure, carbon has 4 electrons in the outer shell and oxygen has 6. Oxygen has 3 atoms, so 18 electrons. Two electrons from charge-2.
K2CO3 hybridization
Hybridization is the process involving the mixing of orbitals to give new orbitals with different energies, shapes, etc. Let us find for K2CO3.
The hybridization of central atom in the K2CO3 lewis structure is sp2. By calculating the steric number we can find out the hybridization easily. The formula for the calculation of steric number is discussed below.
- Steric number = number of atoms bonding to the central atom + No. of lone pairs of electrons (on central atom)
- Steric number = 3 + 0 = 3
Hence the steric number 3 is seen to give sp2 type of hybridization.
K2CO3 Solubility
Solubility is a property that tells to what extent a substance can dissolve itself in any given solvent. Let us analyze for K2CO3.
List of compounds in which K2CO3 is soluble:
- Water (110 g/100 mL at 20°C)
- Methanol ( 3 g/100 mL at 25°C)
But K2CO3 is insoluble in ethanol and organic solvent like acetone.
Is K2CO3 solid or liquid?
Let us find out the physical state in which K2CO3 exists under normal conditions.
K2CO3 exists in the solid state. In appearance, it is white in color. But is hygroscopic in nature. It has the potential to absorb moisture from its surroundings. Hence it should be stored in an appropriate manner.
Is K2CO3 polar or nonpolar?
Polar substances will have electronegativity differences whereas nonpolar substances will not have. Let us study for K2CO3.
The K2CO3 being an ionic compound we can consider the polarity of its central atom and say it is nonpolar. Meaning there will be no much difference in the electronegativity of elements involved in bonding.
Is K2CO3 acidic or basic?
Based on the pH range we can differentiate a molecule into acidic or basic. Let us check for K2CO3.
K2CO3 is a base. It is formed when reaction of carbonic acid (comparatively weak acid) and KOH (quite strong base) is carried out. The product is salt basic in nature, potassium carbonate.
Is K2CO3 electrolyte?
A substance that has the potential to break into ionic form and conduct electricity Is known as an electrolyte. Let us find for K2CO3.
K2CO3 is an electrolyte. We know that it is in ionic form. So when it will be dissolved in a solvent (consider water) it can break into ions, potassium ion, and carbonate ion. Then these ions can flow and have the capability to conduct electricity.
Is K2CO3 ionic or covalent?
In covalent bonding, electrons are shared for forming bonds. Whereas for ionic the electron is rather transferred. Let us check for K2CO3.
K2CO3 is ionic in nature. The bond formation in the molecule is due to the transfer of valence electrons from potassium to carbonate. Also, the bond type is metal and non-metal, an important property for a substance to be called ionic or covalent.
Conclusion
K2CO3 is ionic and a solid that is hygroscopic in nature. It has a monoclinic crystal system and is used in industries manufacturing glass, soap, etc.
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This is Sania Jakati from Goa. I am an aspiring chemist pursuing my post graduation in organic chemistry. I believe education is the key element that moulds you into a great human being both mentally and physically. I’m glad to be a member of scintillating branch of chemistry and will try my best to contribute whatever I can from my side and Lambdageeks is the best platform where I can share as well as gain knowledge at the same time.