Potassium bicarbonate is a chemical compound, potassium salt of carbonic acid, produced by the passage of carbon dioxide through an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Potassium refers to the presence of potassium ions (K+) in the compound.
• Bicarbonate refers to the bicarbonate ion (HCO₃-), which consists of one hydrogen atom, one carbon atom and three oxygen atoms. The term 'bi' in bicarbonate indicates the presence of two different types of oxygens: those of the carbonate ion (CO₃^2-) and an additional hydroxyl group (OH-).

The synthesis process takes place in different steps:

• Preparation of potassium carbonate or potassium hydroxide solution. Potassium carbonate or potassium hydroxide is dissolved in water.
• Carbonation. Carbon dioxide is made to flow through the solution. CO2 reacts with the potassium carbonate or potassium hydroxide to form potassium bicarbonate.

Industrially It appears in the form of a white powder.

What it is for and where

Medical

Potassium bicarbonate is used in medicine as an antacid and in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux.

• Antacid. Potassium bicarbonate is able to neutralise gastric juices, making it an effective antacid. It can be used to treat conditions such as acid indigestion and heartburn.
• Electrolyte replenisher. Can be used to replenish potassium in the body, which is essential for different bodily functions, including the act of nerve and muscle cells, heart function and the maintenance of fluid balance.
• Potassium supplement. It is used as a potassium supplement in situations where people are at risk of or suffer from hypokalaemia (low blood potassium levels). This can occur due to conditions such as chronic diarrhoea, vomiting, malabsorption syndromes or certain medications.
• Urinary alkaliniser. Can be used to make urine more alkaline (i.e. less acidic). It may be useful in treating certain types of urinary tract infections and may help prevent the formation of certain types of kidney stones.

Studies

A new extended-release formulation of potassium citrate and potassium bicarbonate, ADV7103, has been shown to improve metabolic control, palatability, and gastrointestinal safety in patients with distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) compared with standard of care (SoC) treatments. The present work evaluates the safety and efficacy of ADV7103 during 24 months (1).

Potassium bicarbonate, in conjunction with whey protein, may improve oxidative metabolism due to prolonged bed rest (2).

Potassium bicarbonate (PB), calcium chelate (CCh), and sodium silicate (SSi) have been extensively used as antifungal generally recognized as safe (GRAS) compounds against plant pathogenic fungi (3).

Cosmetics

Bulking agent. It regulates the water content, dilutes other solids, can increase the volume of a product for better flow, acts as a buffer against organic acids, helps to keep the pH of the mixture within a certain level.

• Molecular Formula: KHCO₃ o CHKO₃
• Molecular Weight: 100.115 g/mol
• CAS: 298-14-6
• UNII HM5Z15LEBN
• EC Number: 241-378-9   206-059-0
• DSSTox Substance ID: DTXSID0021177
• MDL number  MFCD00011402
• PubChem Substance ID 329752450
• NACRES:  NB.24
• Beilstein/REAXYS Number: 4535309

Synonims: 

• Potassium hydrogen carbonate
• Carbonic acid, potassium salt
• Potassium hydrogencarbonate
• Potassiumhydrogencarbonate
• Potassium acid carbonate
• Potassium bicarbonate

References________________________________________________________________

(1) Bertholet-Thomas A, Guittet C, Manso-Silván MA, Joukoff S, Navas-Serrano V, Baudouin V, Cailliez M, Di Maio M, Gillion-Boyer O, Golubovic E, Harambat J, Knebelmann B, Nobili F, Novo R, Podracka L, Roussey-Kesler G, Granier LA. Safety, efficacy, and acceptability of ADV7103 during 24 months of treatment: an open-label study in pediatric and adult patients with distal renal tubular acidosis. Pediatr Nephrol. 2021 Feb 26. doi: 10.1007/s00467-020-04873-0. 

(2) Bosutti A, Mulder E, Zange J, Bühlmeier J, Ganse B, Degens H. Effects of 21 days of bed rest and whey protein supplementation on plantar flexor muscle fatigue resistance during repeated shortening contractions. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2020 May;120(5):969-983. doi: 10.1007/s00421-020-04333-5.

(3) Youssef K, Roberto SR, de Oliveira AG. Ultra-Structural Alterations in Botrytis cinerea-The Causal Agent of Gray Mold-Treated with Salt Solutions. Biomolecules. 2019 Oct 8;9(10):582. doi: 10.3390/biom9100582.