Science question

[penadragon]

Does anyone know of a simple and easy way to tell the difference between mono sodium glutamate (MSG) and salt substitiute (KCl) Please.

[Zacs-Master]

I believe KCI is potassium sulphate commonly used in fertilisers. MSG is a flavour enhancer.

[Toby570]

KCL is Potassium Chloride, aka Salt.

[jason.p]

If they're in pure power form put a small knifepoint of each in a flame. The sodium salt should burn yellowish and the potassium reddish.

[sunny-dave]

NaCl - Sodium Chloride is 'salt'

KCl - Potassium Chloride is commonly used as salt substitute for people who need to keep their Sodium levels in check.

MSG - Monosodium Glutamate - C5H8NNaO4 - is used as a flavour enhancer in (often) Chinese food

[sunny-dave]

jason.p is right about testing the raw substances - although (unless you have some of each to compare) it isn't always easy to tell 'yellowish' from 'reddish' with a standard human eyeball.

[Toby570]

How do you easily tell them apart Dave?

[sunny-dave]

aaargh - my 'A' level practical chemistry was a while ago - let me have a think/google ...

[sunny-dave]

Apparently you make a very concentrated solution of the KCl and dip a wire loop into it - should then burn very bright lilac in a bunsen burner flame ...

[jomifl]

KCl tastes salty, MSG tastes meaty.

[SandyScot]

Toby & Dave
Strictly speaking KCl and NaCl are both salts, along with a wide range of other compunds. NaCl however is known as "common salt" and is the variety they put on your fish & chips.