Question

What is the chemical name of ‘phitkari’?

Answer 1

Hint: As we know that ‘phitkari’ is a common name of a chemical compound which is widely used in medicines and water treatment process. Its chemical formula is ${{K}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}.A{{l}_{2}}{{(S{{O}_{4}})}_{3}}.24{{H}_{2}}O$. So here we have to tell the chemical name of phitkari which is used in chemical science.

Complete answer:
Let us discuss about phitkari as follows:-
-Phitkari: It is a chemical compound which is a mixed salt of potassium sulphate and aluminum sulphate being hydrated by water molecules. Its chemical formula is ${{K}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}.A{{l}_{2}}{{(S{{O}_{4}})}_{3}}.24{{H}_{2}}O$. It is widely known as Potash alum and its full chemical name is ‘potassium sulfate dodecahydrate’.
-It is usually extracted from alunite minerals but now it can also be industrially produced by various methods. One of the most common methods of its preparation includes addition of potassium sulfate compound in aluminium sulfate solution which requires being in concentrated form. If the sulfate compound has higher iron content instead of potassium sulfate then we can use potassium chloride in the process as well.
-It is an important member of the alum family of compounds which is one of the most famous coagulants used for water treatment, especially in case of low-colored waters. It also has various highly complex species which includes aluminium polymers as well.
-Hence the chemical name of ‘phitkari’ is potassium sulfate dodecahydrate’.

Note:
-Remember that the structure of potassium alum crystals is octahedral and they are colourless. Also they are highly soluble in water.
-Potash alum is acidic in nature and turns the blue litmus paper to red
-Also study and learn the preparation and properties of potash alum as it is a very important compound.