Potassium carbonate, with the chemical formula K2CO3, is an inorganic compound that appears as a white, odorless powder. It is commonly referred to as potash or pearlash. Potassium carbonate has a wide range of applications across various industries. In the food industry, it is used as an ingredient in certain food products, such as baking powder, and as a pH regulator in the production of cocoa powder. It is also utilized in the production of soft drinks to help regulate their acidity.

In addition to its applications in the food industry, potassium carbonate is used in the manufacturing of soap and glass. It serves as a flux in glass production, lowering the melting point of the raw materials. Furthermore, it finds use in the pharmaceutical industry for various purposes, including as an alkalizing agent. Potassium carbonate is known for its ability to absorb moisture from the air, making it useful as a drying agent in laboratory settings and as a fire extinguishing agent in certain fire extinguishers.