The dominant source of agronomic potassium, doubling as a brine salt for oilfield drilling and completion fluids. It is the most widely used potash fertilizer and also serves as a feedstock for other potassium chemicals, as a shale-stabilizing salt in oilfield drilling and completion fluids, and as a chemical reagent.
▸Fertilizer: Primary potassium source (muriate of potash)
▸Potassium chemicals: Feedstock for other potassium compounds
▸Oilfield fluids: Shale-stabilizing salt in drilling and completion brines
▸Industrial reagent: Electrolyte and buffer-solution component
Physical Properties
Physical Description
Pellets or Large Crystals; Pellets or Large Crystals, Liquid; Dry Powder, Pellets or Large Crystals; Liquid, Other Solid; Other Solid; Dry Powder; Liquid
Appearance
Colorless, elongated, prismatic, or cubical crystals or as a white granular powder
Odor
Odorless
Taste
Strong saline taste
Boiling Point
Specific heat = 693.7 J/kg-K; Heat of fusion = 337.7 kJ/mol; Enthalpy of formation = -436.7 kJ/mol; Entropy (S) = 82.55 J/mol-K; Dielectric constant (at 1X10+6 Hz) = 4.68; Thermal coeff of expansion (15-25 °C) = 33.7X10-6/K; Boiling point of saturated solution at 1.013 bar = 108.6 °C
Melting Point
770 °C
Solubility
1 g dissolves in 2.8 mL water, 1.8 mL boiling water... /addtion of/ hydrochloric acid, or sodium chloride, or magnesium chloride, diminishes its solubility in water
Density
1.984
pH
pH: about 7
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
HS / Tariff Classification
🌐Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
3104.20
Chapter 31
Fertilisers
Heading 31.04
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 3104.20
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
potassium chlorideSylviteKlotrixEnsealSlow-KMuriate of potashKlor-ConNeobakasalChlorvescentAcronitolKalitabsKaochlorPotavescentKlorenPfiklorPotassium monochlorideRekawanChloropotassurilK-ContinKay Ciel
Full Description
Potassium chloride (CAS 7447-40-7), known in the fertilizer trade as muriate of potash (MOP), is a crystalline potassium salt. It is the most widely used potash fertilizer and also serves as a feedstock for other potassium chemicals, as a shale-stabilizing salt in oilfield drilling and completion fluids, and as a chemical reagent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is potassium chloride (MOP) used for?
Potassium chloride (KCl, CAS 7447-40-7), known in the fertilizer trade as muriate of potash (MOP), is the most widely used potash fertilizer. It also serves as a feedstock for other potassium chemicals, as a shale-stabilizing salt in oilfield drilling and completion fluids, and as an industrial reagent and electrolyte.
What does MOP stand for?
MOP stands for muriate of potash, the fertilizer-trade name for potassium chloride (KCl). It is a crystalline potassium salt and the primary potassium source used in fertilizer blends.
What is the chemical formula for potassium chloride?
Potassium chloride is KCl (listed formula ClK), CAS 7447-40-7. As fertilizer-grade muriate of potash it classifies under HS 3104.20.
Why is potassium chloride used in oilfield drilling fluids?
The potassium ion in KCl stabilizes reactive clays and shales, reducing swelling and dispersion in the wellbore, which is why it is used as a shale-stabilizing salt in drilling and completion brines.
How is bulk potassium chloride packaged and quoted?
It is supplied in bags, supersacks, or bulk depending on grade. Submit a bulk RFQ with grade, quantity, and packaging for current pricing with CoA and SDS; we do not list fixed prices.
Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.
