How does potassium react with carbon dioxide at high temperatures?

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A periodic table element box for potassium shows atomic number 19, symbol K, atomic weight 39.0983, electron configuration [Ar]4s1, and name potassium. Icons indicate it is an alkali metal, solid at room temperature, body-centered cubic crystal structure, and has strongly basic higher-valence oxides. A key explains the symbols for alkali metals, solid state, body-centered cubic structure, and strong basicity. — potassium Properties of potassium.

At elevated temperatures, potassium acts as a reducing agent toward carbon dioxide, converting it into carbon and carbon monoxide.1

Additionally, it is important to note that solid carbon dioxide and potassium can react explosively when subjected to shock. While potassium is used in respiratory equipment in the form of potassium superoxide to remove carbon dioxide, this is a different chemical process involving the liberation of oxygen.12