Production

Today potassium carbonate is prepared commercially by the electrolysis of potassium chloride. The resulting potassium hydroxide is then carbonated using carbon dioxide to form potassium carbonate, which is often used to produce other potassium compounds.

2KOH + CO₂ → K₂CO₃ + H₂O

Applications

Pearlash has been used for soap, glass, and china production. In the laboratory, it may be used as a mild drying agent where other drying agents such as calcium chloride may be incompatible. However, it is not suitable for acidic compounds. Mixed with water it causes an exothermic reaction that results in a temperature change, producing heat.

In cuisine, it is used as an ingredient in the production of grass jelly, a food consumed in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Potassium carbonate, is being used as the electrolyte in many cold fusion experiments.