Answer: KHCO3 is too soluble in the brine solution to precipitate out as NaHCO3 does.
- A KHCO3 is too soluble in the brine solution to precipitate out as NaHCO3 does
- B Potassium chloride is generally too expensive to use as a raw material
- C Potassium metal reacts dangerously with the carbon dioxide feedstock in many documented cases
- D K2CO3 decomposes readily under the mild conditions of the process according to conventional understanding
Correct answer: A. KHCO3 is too soluble in the brine solution to precipitate out as NaHCO3 does
Explanation: The Solvay process works because NaHCO3 is sparingly soluble and precipitates; KHCO3 is more soluble and stays in solution, making K2CO3 production by this route uneconomical.
Each s-block metal ion emits a characteristic flame colour because heating excites electrons to higher energy levels; light is emitted as they fall back, with the colour determined by the specific energy gap.
Concept context
Group 1 (alkali metals) and Group 2 (alkaline earth metals). Learn their reactions with water and air, important compounds like NaOH, Na₂CO₃, and CaCO₃, and anomalous behaviour of lithium and beryllium.