Question

Reaction KHCO3 on heating

Answer 1

The products are Potassium carbonate ($K_2CO_3$), Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), and Water ($H_2O$).

The balanced chemical equation is: $2KHCO_3(s) \xrightarrow{\Delta} K_2CO_3(s) + CO_2(g) + H_2O(g)$

Answer 2

• Reaction:

  When potassium hydrogen carbonate (KHCO$_3$) is heated, it decomposes to form potassium carbonate (K$_2$CO$_3$), carbon dioxide (CO$_2$), and water (H$_2$O).

• Balanced Chemical Equation: $2KHCO_3(s) \xrightarrow{\Delta} K_2CO_3(s) + CO_2(g) + H_2O(g)$

• Explanation:

  This is a thermal decomposition reaction. Alkali metal bicarbonates generally decompose upon heating to yield the corresponding carbonate, carbon dioxide gas, and water vapor. Potassium carbonate is thermally stable and does not decompose further at typical heating temperatures.

• Visual Representation (Energy Profile - Simplified):

• Smiles for chemical structures:

  • KHCO$_3$: [K+].[O-]C(=O)O
  • K$_2$CO$_3$: [K+].[K+].[O-]C([O-])=O
  • CO$_2$: O=C=O
  • H$_2$O: O

Potassium hydrogen carbonate ($KHCO_3$) decomposes upon heating to form potassium carbonate ($K_2CO_3$), carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), and water ($H_2O$). The balanced equation is $2KHCO_3(s) \xrightarrow{\Delta} K_2CO_3(s) + CO_2(g) + H_2O(g)$.