Potassium Chloride
The potassium salt supplied by Chelora Chemicals — known in the trade as MOP (muriate of potash), the primary source of potassium for fertiliser blending and a feedstock for downstream potassium chemical manufacture — exported from Indonesia in bags and bulk with full batch documentation on every shipment.
What Potassium Chloride is, and why buyers source it
A working overview of the compound's chemistry, its role as the primary potassium fertiliser and industrial potassium feedstock, and the grades Chelora Chemicals keeps in regular supply.
Potassium Chloride is a simple, highly water-soluble ionic salt of potassium and chloride. Its chemistry is straightforward — it dissociates completely in water to potassium and chloride ions — but that simplicity is exactly what makes it valuable: it is the most concentrated, most widely available and most cost-effective source of the potassium nutrient that crops need, and the standard feedstock from which other potassium chemicals are manufactured.
It is a white to pink, crystalline, granular or standard-grade material (colour depending on the mineral ore source), fully soluble in water, and chemically and physically stable under normal storage conditions. It is non-flammable and non-combustible, and requires only standard dry, moisture-controlled bulk storage typical of fertiliser-grade salts.
Where it fits in the synthesis chain
Potassium Chloride's largest use by far is as the primary source of potassium (K) in NPK fertiliser blending, either applied directly or blended with nitrogen and phosphate sources. It is also the standard industrial feedstock from which potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, potassium sulfate, potassium fluoride and other downstream potassium chemicals are manufactured, and is used in oilfield drilling fluids and water-softening regeneration.
Grades we supply
Chelora Chemicals offers Potassium Chloride in standard fertiliser grade (60–62% K₂O equivalent) and higher-purity industrial grade, suitable for fertiliser blending and downstream potassium-chemical manufacture, supplied with a batch-wise certificate of analysis.
How Potassium Chloride is made
An overview of the production route for orientation purposes. Our manufacturing partners' own process parameters and in-process controls are proprietary and are not disclosed beyond what is needed to interpret the certificate of analysis.
Potassium Chloride is produced by mining and processing naturally occurring potash ore (sylvinite, a mixture of potassium chloride and sodium chloride minerals), or by solar evaporation of potassium-rich brines, followed by flotation, crystallisation or electrostatic separation to separate potassium chloride from the accompanying sodium chloride and other minerals.
Why ore processing, not a chemical reaction, defines potassium chloride
Because potassium chloride already exists in large quantities as a natural mineral, producing it is a physical separation and purification operation rather than a chemical synthesis, which is why specification focuses on K₂O content and purity rather than on yield from a chemical transformation.
Industries and processes that use it
Potassium Chloride is consumed overwhelmingly in agricultural fertiliser blending, with a significant secondary role as the feedstock for downstream potassium chemical manufacture. The fields below account for most of the demand we see through our export desk.
NPK Fertiliser Blending
The primary source of potassium (K) in NPK fertiliser blends, either applied directly to soil or blended with nitrogen and phosphate sources.
Downstream Potassium Chemical Manufacture
The standard feedstock from which potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, potassium sulfate and potassium fluoride are manufactured industrially.
Oilfield Drilling Fluids
Used as a clay-stabilising additive in water-based oilfield drilling fluids, where potassium ions help control shale swelling.
Water Softener Regeneration
Used as an alternative to sodium chloride for regenerating ion-exchange water softeners, particularly where reduced sodium intake is a consideration.
How the molecule is typically carried forward
Because potassium chloride is a simple ionic salt, its role is almost entirely as a source of potassium and chloride ions rather than as a reactive organic intermediate. The processes below account for most of how Potassium Chloride is used and converted.
Dissolution & Ionic Dissociation
Dissolves completely in water to potassium and chloride ions, the form in which it is taken up by plant roots as a fertiliser nutrient.
Electrolysis (to Potassium Hydroxide)
Can be electrolysed in aqueous solution, analogous to the chlor-alkali process for sodium chloride, to produce potassium hydroxide and chlorine.
Double Decomposition (to Other Potassium Salts)
Reacted with other salts or acids in double-decomposition reactions to produce potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate and other downstream potassium chemicals.
Mining & Purification (Upstream)
Potash ore or brine is processed by flotation, crystallisation or evaporation to separate and purify potassium chloride itself.
Potassium Chloride against other amines we supply
Buyers sourcing Potassium Chloride for fertiliser or downstream chemical manufacture often need a related potassium chemical. A quick reference to what else is on our regular supply list.
| Product | CAS Number | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potassium Chloride | 7447-40-7 | Potassium fertiliser & industrial salt | The product on this page — the primary potassium source for fertiliser and downstream chemicals. |
| Potassium Fluoride | 7789-23-3 | Potassium fluoride salt | A downstream potassium chemical made from potassium chloride — see its product page. |
| Sodium Sulphate | 7757-82-6 | Sodium sulfate salt | A related industrial inorganic salt in our range — see its product page. |
| Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) | 1310-73-2 | Industrial alkali | The sodium-chemistry analogue of the electrolysis route used for potassium hydroxide — see its product page. |
Exact physical constants and purity specifications are confirmed per batch on the certificate of analysis — treat the notes above as a sourcing guide, not a specification sheet, for products other than Potassium Chloride.
Safety classification at a glance
Based on GHS classification as commonly listed for this substance. This is a summary for orientation only — always work from the current safety data sheet supplied with your specific batch.
Not classified as hazardous under GHS; a widely used, low-hazard fertiliser and industrial salt.
Fine granules may cause transient mechanical irritation to eyes or respiratory tract; handle with standard dust control.
No significant acute toxicity hazard under normal handling; a common dietary and agricultural material.
Non-flammable and non-combustible; does not support or contribute to fire.
Standard dust mask and gloves are sufficient for routine handling.
Keep dry to prevent caking; otherwise straightforward to store in standard bulk fertiliser conditions.
Follow standard industrial hygiene practice for bulk material handling.
Not Classified — no GHS hazard pictogram applies to this material.
This material is not classified as hazardous under GHS and presents no significant acute toxicity hazard under normal handling; it is a common agricultural and industrial material. Fine granules may cause transient mechanical irritation to eyes or the respiratory tract and should be handled with standard dust control, and it is non-flammable and non-combustible. Full handling and storage guidance is in the MSDS issued with every shipment.
Keeping it on spec between delivery and use
General storage guidance for this grade. Site-specific storage rules, segregation requirements and re-test intervals should follow your own EHS procedures and the MSDS issued with your batch.
Store in dry, covered conditions to prevent moisture ingress and caking; otherwise this material is chemically stable and straightforward to handle under standard bulk fertiliser or industrial-salt warehousing conditions. If a batch is held for an extended period, re-check K₂O content and moisture before use.
How it ships from Indonesia
Standard packing and export terms for this product. Confirm exact figures against your order — they vary slightly by destination and quantity.
What travels with every batch
Specification is agreed before the purchase order, not discovered on arrival. Every shipment of Potassium Chloride leaves with a documented, checkable paper trail.
Certificate of Analysis
Batch-wise assay (by titration/GC), colour and relevant physical constants, issued against the agreed specification so your QC team can check it, not just file it.
Safety Data Sheet
GHS-format SDS in English covering hazard classification, handling, storage, first-aid and spill response for the exact grade of Potassium Chloride shipped.
Technical Data Sheet
Reference physical and chemical properties, recommended storage and typical applications, for internal circulation to your process or R&D teams.
Certificate of Origin
Confirms Indonesian origin for customs clearance and any preferential-duty claim at your destination port.
Dangerous Goods Declaration
UN packing group, classification and shipper's declaration prepared ahead of loading so documentation never holds up customs.
Third-Party Inspection
Independent pre-shipment inspection and re-sampling can be arranged on request, at your cost, for buyers who require it as a matter of policy.
Frequently asked questions
What buyers most often ask our sales desk about this grade.
01What is Potassium Chloride used for?+
02What is the CAS number of Potassium Chloride?+
03How is Potassium Chloride produced?+
04What grades does Chelora Chemicals supply?+
05What does "MOP" stand for?+
06Is Potassium Chloride hazardous?+
07What packing options are available?+
08How long does delivery take?+
09Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?+
10Do you supply Potassium Fluoride and Sodium Sulphate as well?+
Need Potassium Chloride on spec, on time?
Send us your required purity, quantity, packing preference and destination port. Our desk quotes most enquiries within one working day.