The chemical formula of potassium chloride is KCl, where the K stands for the potassium ion and the Cl stands for chloride ion. Potassium chloride is often referred to as muriate of potash, or MOP. Usually, the potassium ion is considered the beneficial ion in the potassium chloride compound, but evidence suggests that the chloride ion also plays a role, particularly in fertilizers.
Fertilizer
Potassium chloride is mainly used in the manufacture of fertilizers. Potassium is considered a major plant nutrient, while the chloride ion is a micronutrient. Both appear to be required for optimal growth, increasing the protein and vitamin C content of plants and the starch content in grains and tubers. It improves fruit color and flavor, increases their size, and decreases pest infestation and the development of various plant diseases. Potassium chloride also enhances shipping, storage quality, and extends shelf life.
Dietary Supplement
Potassium is used in the human body for a variety of normal cellular functions, particularly as a co-enzyme in energy production and carbohydrate metabolism. People who have low levels of potassium are said to have hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can be treated with potassium chloride supplementation. For people with high blood pressure who want to limit their sodium intake, potassium chloride can substitute for ordinary sodium chloride, or table salt. One study in 2004, reported by the Linus Pauling Institute, indicated that people who took potassium chloride could lower their blood pressure.
Water Softener
Hard water contains calcium and magnesium, which can precipitate out of the water and cause buildup of the calcium and magnesium scale on pipes, eventually clogging the pipes. Calcium and magnesium also react with soap, forming scum. Water softening systems usually replace the calcium and magnesium ions in the water with sodium ions. This process generates a lot of salty water and can be harmful to plants when the solutions are regenerated. Potassium chloride pellets can be substituted directly for sodium chloride in a water softeners with no loss of capacity and the potassium is better for the environment, particularly for plants.
Lethal Injection
Potassium chloride is one of three drugs used in the lethal injections of condemned prisoners. Sodium thiopental is a barbiturate that induces anesthesia. Pancuronium bromide is a muscle relaxant that paralyzes all the muscles of the body, and potassium chloride is the salt that speeds the heart until it stops. All three are injected in doses designed to kill.
Other Uses
Potassium chloride is also used in cold packs, as optical crystals, in bottled water, and as the ingredient in ice-melting products. Previously, potassium chloride was used as a fire extinguishing agent, although now potassium bicarbonate is used because it is less corrosive and more effective.
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