Like all other bases, KOH reacts with acids by a neutralization reaction, forming salt and water: With sulfur and nitric acids (diluted) potassium reacts differently, displaying prominent reducing properties: K + 6NH₃ = (the complex only forms in liquid ammonium at a temperature of -50 ᵒC (also -58 ᵒF) – the metal dissolves) ĢK + 2NH₃ = 2KNH₂ + H₂ (with gentle heating – 65-105 ᵒC (149-221 ᵒF) – potassium amide forms).Īs alkaline metals are in located in the electrochemical series before hydrogen, they react with acids by a displacement reaction: Potassium reacts with ammonium both on heating and on cooling – but different substances form: Reaction of potassium with complex substances With some metals (for example sodium or lead), potassium forms intermetallic compounds – compounds of metals between each other. it forms phosphides with phosphorus (an inert atmosphere and heating up to 200 ᵒC (also 392 ᵒF) is required):Īt room temperature, potassium barely reacts with gaseous nitrogen (when potassium hydride is heated in a current of nitrogen, the formation of K₃N nitrides is possible).

it easily reacts with halogens (heating is not required to carry out the reaction):Ĭlick here for interesting experiments with chlorine.it forms potassium hydride – an ionic compound of metal with hydrogen – when heated up to 200-300 ᵒC (also 392-572 ᵒF) with hydrogen:.

Potassium reactivity