Pure Potassium + Acetic Acid = ?

[n***@yahoo.com]

I would like to know if anyone can tell me if a product is formed by
the combination of pure potassium (K+) (NOT potassium phosphate,
potassium carbonate, etc.) with acetic acid (vinegar) (C2H4O2). If
there is a reaction, what does it yield, and what effect does it have
on plants and humans? Thanks.

[f***@hotmail.com]

Post by n***@yahoo.com
I would like to know if anyone can tell me if a product is formed by
the combination of pure potassium (K+) (NOT potassium phosphate,
potassium carbonate, etc.) with acetic acid (vinegar) (C2H4O2).
If
there is a reaction, what does it yield, and what effect does it have
on plants and humans? Thanks.

You seem to be interested in chemistry. Do you want to know the
reaction of potassium ion (K+) or potassium metal (K) with acetic acid
(note the symbols in your question). The usage "pure potassium" implies
potassium metal.

[n***@yahoo.com]

I suppose I was referring to potassium ion, such as the type included
in a potassium fertilizer. What I meant by "pure potassium" was that
potassium phosphate or potassium carbonate, etc. was not implied. Is K
fertilizer for plants potassium ion or potassium metal? And what would
this fertilizer's reaction be with the acetic acid of vinegar?

[Borek]

Post by n***@yahoo.com
I suppose I was referring to potassium ion, such as the type included
in a potassium fertilizer. What I meant by "pure potassium" was that
potassium phosphate or potassium carbonate, etc. was not implied. Is K
fertilizer for plants potassium ion or potassium metal? And what would
this fertilizer's reaction be with the acetic acid of vinegar?

Potassium can take a form of a metal (not for a long time, as it is
extremally reactive) or of an ion - but if it is in ionic form it must
be a part of a salt. What salt it is in a fertilizer I have no idea. As
far as I know it can a potassium chloride, sulphate or nitrate - or
something else.

Now, IMHO if your fertilizer contains one of the above salts (or any
other salt imaginable for use as fertilizer), I would not expect
anything special when mixing it with the acetic acid. What you will get
will be no more toxic than a fertlizer itself and the acetic acid
itself.

Best,
Borek

[f***@hotmail.com]

Post by n***@yahoo.com
I suppose I was referring to potassium ion, such as the type included
in a potassium fertilizer. What I meant by "pure potassium" was that
potassium phosphate or potassium carbonate, etc. was not implied. Is K
fertilizer for plants potassium ion or potassium metal? And what would
this fertilizer's reaction be with the acetic acid of vinegar?

OK. Potassium metal is very reactive and has a great tendency to become
an ion K(+). Once formed in the solution it is very stable towards
oxidation and reduction, it would be not effected by acids (including
acetic acid), bases etc. Also note that since a solution is overall
neutral, its charge must be balanced by a negatively charged species in
the solution or in the a solid state. So a K fertilizer would be a salt
of potassium containing K(+) along something that balances it charge
(called anion). The commonly used K-fertilizer is potassium sulfate or
the nitrate. If you add acetic acid to nothing would happen as the K(+)
ion as well as the anions are inert towards acetic acid.

You might notice bubbling when you place few drops to vinegar in the
soil, that is because of natural carbonates which decompose on contact
with acetic acid. Though it is not a good idea to mix vinegar with a
fertilizer.