Potassium carbonate () cannot be manufactured by the Solvay (Ammonia-Soda) process. What is the defi — s Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The core principle of the Solvay process is the precipitation of a sparingly soluble bicarbonate ($NaHCO_3$) from the reaction mixture. When applied to potassium, the intermediate formed is Potassium hydrogen carbonate ($KHCO_3$), which is highly soluble in water and will not precipitate out, preventing the recovery of the solid precursor to the carbonate.