Text: Potash is one of the main components of wood ash. Its chemical name is potassium carbonate. The other main component of wood ash is sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash. Potash was known for centuries as a base, or alkali which is a material that removes hydrogen ions (H+) from aqueous solutions and are used in manufacturing soap. All sodium and potassium compounds are soluable in water. When potash is dissolved in water, it ionizes into potassium and carbonate ions. Once dissolved, potassium ions are unreactive, that is they do not partcipate in any further chemical reactions. The carbonate will act as a base in aqueous solutions absorbing any hydrogen ions that it finds. Potash can be obtained from wood ash. The ashes are added to water and the potassium and sodium salts will dissolve, while the other components such as silica, dirt and calcium carbonate will settle to the bottom. The container is left to settle over night. The clear liquid is drained into another container, leaving the bottom debris. Chlorides present in the solution are removed by boiling until an insoluable precipitate forms, leaving a mixture of potassium and sodium chloride. The remaining fluid is boiled again until about half the solution remains. The solution is then carefully poured into another container, leaving the solids behind. As the liquid cools to room temperature, sodium carbonate will form a precipitate leaving the potash in solution. This solution is then drained into a new container and finally boiled again until dry producing a white or grey powdered crude solid potash. These experiments must be carried out using non aluminum containers such as ceramic, glass or crockery. Aluminum pots will ruin the experiment. It also takes a lot of wood ash to produce a little potash. As the chemicals are refined through the process,they become increasingly caustic and proper care should be taken. Always wear eye protection and if the solutions are splashed on skin, wash with lots of water. While not highly poisonous, several teaspoons can be toxic. Exercise care. Potash is also found in many fertilizers.

See Also:

Source: