Potassium dispersions

The collected papers of a symposium at Dallas, April 1956, cover all aspects of the handling, use and hazards of lithium, sodium, potassium, their alloys, oxides and hydrides, in 19 chapters [1], Interaction of all 5 alkali metals with water under various circumstances has been discussed comparatively [2], In a monograph covering properties, preparation, handling and applications of the enhanced reactivity of metals dispersed finely in hydrocarbon diluents, the hazardous nature of potassium dispersions, and especially of rubidium and caesium dispersions is stressed [3], Alkaline-earth metal dispersions are of relatively low hazard. Safety practices for small-scale storage, handling, heating and reactions of lithium potassium and sodium with water are reviewed [4],... 

The infrared absorption spectrum of a potassium dispersion of vinblastine sulfate, previously dried in vacuum at 60 for 16 hours, exhibits maxima only at the same wavelengths as that of a similar preparation of USP vinblastine sulfate RS. 

It is interesting to note the large difference in potassium dispersion as indicated by the iron-to-potassium ratios. Wet reduction seems to support the formation of a potassium species which is dispersed over the surface of the catalyst. 

Long ago. Thiol discovcrod that cyclupcntadiono, heated under N2 with a dispersion of potassium in ben/ene. yields potassium eyelopentadienide... 

Potassium, Pubidium, and Cesium idjdrides. Although all the other alkah metal hydrides have been synthesized and some of the properties measured, only potassium hydride [7693-26-7] is commercially available. KH is manufactured in small amounts and sold as a mineral oil dispersion. It is a stronger base than NaH and is used to make the strong reducing agent KBH(C2H )2 and the super bases RNHK and ROK (6). 

Chemically the Hquid NaK alloy, usually used as a dispersion and on an inert support, provides more reactive surface area than either potassium or sodium metal alone, thus enhancing the reducing reactivity and permitting reactions to proceed atlower (eg, —12°C) temperatures. NaK alloys are suitable for chemical reactions involving unstable intermediates such as carbanions and free radicals. 

Potassium Hydride. Potassium hydride [7693-26-7] KH, made from reaction of molten potassium metal with hydrogen at ca 200°C, is suppHed in an oil dispersion. Pressure Chemical Company (U.S.) is a principal suppHer. KH is much more effective than NaH or LiH for enolization reactions (63,64). Use of KH as a base and nucleophile has been reviewed (65). 

Preparation of Emulsions. An emulsion is a system ia which one Hquid is coUoidaHy dispersed ia another (see Emulsions). The general method for preparing an oil-ia-water emulsion is to combine the oil with a compatible fatty acid, such as an oleic, stearic, or rosia acid, and separately mix a proportionate quantity of an alkah, such as potassium hydroxide, with the water. The alkah solution should then be rapidly stirred to develop as much shear as possible while the oil phase is added. Use of a homogenizer to force the resulting emulsion through a fine orifice under pressure further reduces its oil particle size. Liquid oleic acid is a convenient fatty acid to use ia emulsions, as it is readily miscible with most oils. 

Rubidium [7440-17-7] Rb, is an alkali metal, ie, ia Group 1 (lA) of the Periodic Table. Its chemical and physical properties generally He between those of potassium (qv) and cesium (see Cesiumand cesium compounds Potassium compounds). Rubidium is the sixteenth most prevalent element ia the earth s cmst (1). Despite its abundance, it is usually widely dispersed and not found as a principal constituent ia any mineral. Rather it is usually associated with cesium. Most mbidium is obtained from lepidoHte [1317-64-2] an ore containing 2—4% mbidium oxide [18088-11-4]. LepidoHte is found ia Zimbabwe and at Bernic Lake, Canada. 

Rubidium is found widely dispersed in potassium minerals and salt brines. LepidoHte [1317-64-2] a lithium mica having the composition KRbLi(0H,F)Al2Si20 Q, contains up to 3.5% Rb20 and is the principal source of the element. An ore that is basically poUucite [1308-53-8] ... 

In the presence of a potassium catalyst dispersed on calcium oxide, toluene reacts with 1,3-butadiene to yield 5-phenyl-2-pentane (22). 

For the production of lamp-filament wire, aluminum, potassium, and siHcon dopants are added to the blue oxide. Some dopants are trapped in the tungsten particles upon reduction. Excess dopants are then removed by washing the powder in hydroflouric acid. Eor welding electrodes and some other appHcations, thorium nitrate is added to the blue oxide. After reduction, the thorium is present as a finely dispersed thorium oxide. 

An extremely wide variety of catalysts, Lewis acids, Brmnsted acids, metal oxides, molecular sieves, dispersed sodium and potassium, and light, are effective (Table 5). Generally, acidic catalysts are required for skeletal isomerization and reaction is accompanied by polymerization, cracking, and hydrogen transfer, typical of carbenium ion iatermediates. Double-bond shift is accompHshed with high selectivity by the basic and metallic catalysts. 

Cl Disperse Violet 26 is prepared by the reaction of l,4-diamino-2,3-dichloroanthraquinone (Cl Disperse Violet 28 (35)) with potassium phenoxide in phenol as a solvent at high temperature. Introduction of phenoxy groups into the 2,3-position shifts the shade to bright, reddish violet and improves the lightfastness and sublimation resistance. 

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