Potassium bicarbonate has the chemical formula KHCO3. It exists as white crystals at room temperature and is an odorless compound. Potassium bicarbonate is an ionic compound consists of HCO3-. KHCO3 is similar to sodium bicarbonate and mono-potassium salt of H2CO3.

Potassium bicarbonate tastes slightly salty and leaves a bitter aftertaste. It is highly water-soluble and used as an alternative to sodium bicarbonate. It gives potassium salt when reacted with acids, but it is insoluble in alcohol and other organic solvents because of its inorganic nature.