Potassium - ₁₉K: uses

The following uses for potassium are gathered from a number of sources as well as from anecdotal comments. I would be delighted to receive corrections as well as additional referenced uses.

• The superoxide KO₂ is used in breathing apparatus where moisture in the breath and carbon dioxide reacts with it to release oxygen [2KO₂ + H₂O + 2CO₂ → 2KHCO₃ + O₂ ]
• the alloy of potassium with sodium (NaK) is used as a heat-transfer medium in nuclear reactors. The alloy is liquid at ambient temperature and is a good reducing agent in the chemistry laboratory
• fertilizers - usually as the chloride, sulphate, nitrate, or carbonate
• possium nitrate, KNO₃, and potassium chlorate, KClO₃, are used in fireworks
• potassium bromide, KBr, was used as an antaphrodisiac - oh dear!
• potassium permanganate, KMnO₄, is an important oxidizing agent
• low-sodium salt
• potassium hydroxide is used in the preparation of potassium phosphates for liquid detergents