The potassium chlorate (KClO3 due to its molecular formula) or potassium chlorate is a chemical salt composed of potassium and chlorine. It has no odor and is generally colorless or whitish with a crystalline appearance.
When in its solid state it is easily soluble in water and these solutions have a salty taste. It is an inorganic compound that exists in nature, known as the mineral Silvita.
When found in combination with sodium chloride, it is known as sylvinite. It can be extracted from salt water, through methods such as electrostatic separation.
Potassium chlorate has uses in medicine (primarily to treat potassium deficiency), scientific applications (in chemical and experimental processes), food processing (as a substitute for salt), as a fertilizer, and also as one of the three compounds. chemicals present in the so-called lethal injection that is applied in executions.
Article index
One of the medical applications of potassium chloride is as a supplement for potassium deficiency in the blood..
It is very important to maintain the correct level of potassium in the blood, as it helps the cells, kidneys, heart, muscles and nervous system to function properly.
The hypokalemia It is the name given to the disorder in which there is a drop in the level of the potassium ion in the blood. This condition occurs when the body has lost too much potassium or cannot absorb what is required from food.
When the disorder is mild, it usually shows no symptoms. When it is more severe, it usually manifests as muscle weakness and can lead to paralysis or respiratory failure. Other muscle dysfunctions such as cramps.
Most people get enough potassium from a balanced diet. However, some conditions can reduce the level of potassium in the blood, such as prolonged diarrhea and vomiting, hormonal problems such as hyperaldosteronism or diuretic treatments.
It is found on the market as an active ingredient in mineral products and electrolytes. Some of the trade names it receives are Klor-Con, K-Dur, Clor-Con M20, KCI, K-Lyte, and Thermotabs.
Before starting to take potassium chloride as a supplement, it is necessary to consult a doctor, especially if you have previously suffered from kidney, heart, respiratory or digestive system disease.
The hyperkalemia is a disorder caused by excess potassium in the blood, so if it is suffered, a potassium supplement should not be consumed.
The doctor should know if potassium chloride has been consumed before surgery, including dental procedures..
Its use during pregnancy should be recommended by the doctor, since potassium is an element that is transferred to breast milk.
Potassium chloride can be found commercially in liquid, powder, granule, effervescent tablets, oral tablets, long-acting tablets and capsules. Its consumption is typically between two and four times a day, together with or after consuming food.
The most common symptoms of a potassium chloride overdose include slow heart rate, seizures, shortness of breath, confusion, dizziness, and heaviness in the legs and arms..
In case of overdose, it is necessary to go to the emergency services as soon as possible..
One of the most common uses of potassium chlorate is as a salt substitute in the diet. By using it, those who consume it can reduce their intake of sodium, an element present in common salt.
Like sodium chloride, that is, salt, potassium chlorate provides a salty taste that can also have other functions such as microbiological control and protein modification, which can improve the texture, taste and shelf life of food products.
It is common to find potassium chlorate used as a salt substitute in commercial foods such as infant formulas, cereals, frozen meals, meats, potato chips, sports drinks, soups, sauces, and nutritional bars..
As with the human body, a low level of potassium can adversely affect plant growth..
Potassium chlorate is administered to crops frequently for the same reason that it is used as a human supplement, to treat hypokalemia.
In the industrial field, potassium chlorate is used as a purifying agent in metal welding works and also as a de-freezing agent for domestic use..
Lethal injection is a method of execution of capital punishment considered more humane that began to be used during the 20th century to replace methods such as electrocution, hanging, decapitation and the gas chamber.
Typically, the injected solution consists of a mixture of three chemicals: a barbiturate, a paralytic, and a potassium solution. The intention is to cause death immediately.
The barbiturate (sodium thiopental) serves as an anesthetic, the paralytic (pancuronium bromide) paralyzes the muscles and causes respiratory infarction. Potassium chlorate finally stops the heart.
The method was initially used in the United States and currently its use has spread to China, Thailand, Guatemala and Vietnam..
Yet No Comments