Question #a56b9
1 Answer
Jul 26, 2014
The potassium in potassium bicarbonate is in the same form as the potassium metal is in after it has combusted.
When potassium metal undergoes combustion, it forms potassium oxide.
4K + O₂ → 2K₂O.
K₂O is an ionic compound. It consists of K⁺ and O²⁻ ions.
The K⁺ ion has a completed valence shell. It is a stable as it is going to get.
Potassium bicarbonate, KHCO₃, consists of K⁺ ions and HCO₃⁻ ions.
The K in KHCO₃ is in exactly the same form as the K in K₂O. It is as stable as it can get.
Potassium metal reacts violently with oxygen. Potassium ions are unreactive.
