Potassium Chloride Vs. Sodium Chloride

Potassium chloride and sodium chloride are both salts. However, the two possess different characteristics and safety criteria.

Physical Characteristics

• Both potassium and sodium chloride appear in a solid state of white powder-like crystals.

Common Uses

• Sodium chloride is most popularly known as table salt. Although potassium chloride can be ingested in small doses, it has a bitter taste and is usually mixed with sodium chloride if eaten. In addition, potassium chloride is often used in fertilizers, and sometimes as a component of lethal injections.

Chemical Characteristics

• Sodium and potassium are both classified as alkali metals located in Group 1 of the periodic table. Each of these metals are combined with chlorine, commonly in a gaseous state, to form sodium and potassium chloride salts. Potassium chloride has a solubility value of 28.1g/100g of water and sodium chloride at 36g/100g water. Both are soluble in water, alkalies, and alcohols.

Safety

• Sodium chloride is generally safe because it is commonly consumed as table salt. However, potassium chloride can be harmful if too much is swallowed. Neither is a known flammable.

Where to Find

• Sodium chloride is present in many foods and in ocean salt water. Potassium chloride is often found in lake brines such as those in Utah and Canada.