Potassium Hydroxide
Potassium Hydroxide is a highly concentrated, caustic alkaline chemical available as a solid (pellets, flakes) or concentrated aqueous solution. It is a strong base widely used in industrial processes, chemical manufacturing, and as a reagent. Potassium Hydroxide provides excellent neutralizing, saponifying, and cleaning properties and is essential in producing potassium soaps, biodiesel, fertilizers, and various chemical compounds. Its high purity and concentration (90%) make it suitable for demanding applications requiring strong alkalinity.
Potassium Hydroxide
Primary Uses
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Used as a strong base and neutralizing agent in chemical syntheses and industrial processes.
- Essential for manufacturing potassium soaps and detergents by saponification of fats and oils.
- Utilized in biodiesel production as a catalyst in transesterification reactions.
- Used in the production of potassium carbonate, potassium phosphates, and other potassium salts.
- Food Industry
- Used as a food-grade alkali for pH regulation and peeling in food processing (e.g., peeling fruits and vegetables).
- Employed in cocoa and chocolate processing to alkalize cocoa products.
- Water Treatment
- Used to control water pH and neutralize acidic water in municipal and industrial treatment plants.
- Agriculture
- Raw material in the manufacture of potassium fertilizers and soil amendments.
- Cleaning Products
- Key ingredient in industrial cleaners, drain openers, and degreasers due to its strong alkaline properties.
Secondary Uses
- Pharmaceuticals
- Used in small quantities in drug formulations and pharmaceutical intermediates.
- Battery Manufacturing
- Employed as electrolyte in alkaline batteries and fuel cells.
- Laboratory Reagent
- Used extensively as a strong base in analytical chemistry and titrations.
- Cosmetics
- Used in controlled amounts for pH adjustment in some personal care products.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Potassium hydroxide
- Common/Trade Name: Potassium Hydroxide 90%
- CAS Number: 1310-58-3
- HS Code: 2815.11 (Potassium hydroxide)
- Synonyms: Caustic potash; KOH
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (pellets, flakes) or concentrated aqueous solution (~90% w/w)
- Color & Odor: White; odorless
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water, exothermic dissolution
- Melting Point: 360°C (decomposes)
- Density: ~2.044 g/cm³ (solid); ~1.5 g/cm³ (90% solution)
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions; highly reactive with acids and water
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Corrosive (Skin corrosion Category 1A), Serious eye damage (Category 1)
- Toxicity: Highly corrosive and hazardous upon contact or inhalation
- Exposure Limits: Strict occupational exposure limits apply; avoid contact and inhalation
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers; keep dry and away from acids
- Container Type: HDPE drums, plastic-lined steel containers
- Shelf Life: Typically 1–3 years if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Use full PPE including gloves, goggles, face shield, and protective clothing; avoid moisture contact
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with chemical safety regulations including OSHA, REACH, and local standards
- Classified as hazardous material for transport and handling
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Inorganic compound; not biodegradable but neutralizes in environment quickly
- Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms at high concentrations due to alkalinity
- Bioaccumulation: Not applicable
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, face shield, and protective clothing mandatory
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhalation of mist and skin contact
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed; prevent contact with acids and moisture
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek urgent medical attention for respiratory distress
- Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical help for burns
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; seek immediate medical attention
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek immediate medical care
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable but reacts violently with water and acids
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray to dilute and cool; avoid dry chemicals near reactive materials
- Special Precautions: Firefighters must wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
- Hazardous Combustion Products: May produce potassium oxides and corrosive fumes
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Borax Pentahydrate
Borax Pentahydrate (sodium tetraborate pentahydrate) is an inorganic compound and a hydrated form of borax. It typically appears as colorless to white crystalline granules or powder. This compound contains five molecules of water of crystallization per formula unit, distinguishing it from other borax hydrates such as the decahydrate form. Borax Pentahydrate is widely used across industries including detergents, glass production, agriculture, and cosmetics, valued for its buffering capacity, emulsification, and antiseptic properties. It is soluble in water and exhibits alkaline properties in aqueous solution.
Phosphoric acid Technical Grade
Phosphoric Acid Technical Grade is a concentrated, inorganic acid primarily used in industrial applications. It typically contains minor impurities compared to food or pharmaceutical grades but maintains excellent performance as an acidulant, rust remover, and intermediate chemical. This grade is widely used in manufacturing fertilizers, detergents, metal treatment, and other industrial processes where high purity is not critical but effective acidic properties are required.
Sodium Alumina Silicate
Sodium Alumina Silicate is an inorganic compound consisting of sodium, aluminum, and silicon oxides. It is typically found as a white, amorphous powder with excellent adsorption and ion-exchange properties. Commonly used as a detergent builder, water softener, and desiccant, sodium alumina silicate improves cleaning efficiency, controls water hardness, and aids moisture absorption. Its thermal stability and chemical inertness make it valuable across detergent manufacturing, water treatment, and various industrial processes.
Sodium Disilicate
Sodium Disilicate, commonly supplied in granular or powder form, is an alkaline, water-soluble compound used widely in industrial applications. It functions primarily as a binder, adhesive, and corrosion inhibitor. Its high alkalinity and silicate content make it effective in detergents, water treatment, and cement manufacturing. Sodium Disilicate is valued for its ability to improve strength and durability of materials, as well as its effectiveness in cleaning and stabilizing processes.
Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is a high-efficiency sequestrant and dispersing agent widely used across industrial applications. It appears as a white, odorless powder or granule, highly soluble in water, and is valued for its ability to chelate metal ions, soften water, and disperse solids. Its role in preventing scale formation and stabilizing chemical formulations makes it a key ingredient in water treatment, cleaning agents, and textile processing. It is the primary active ingredient in many commercial and industrial water treatment formulations, most notably as the original key component in the Calgon® brand of water softeners and scale inhibitors. While modern "Calgon" products may contain blended formulations, the term has become a common genericized reference for polyphosphate-based scale prevention, rooted in this chemical's function.
Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate
Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydrate is a white crystalline solid containing five molecules of water of crystallization. It is widely used for its alkaline and detergent properties, making it effective in cleaning, water treatment, and as a corrosion inhibitor. The pentahydrate form is commonly preferred in detergent and industrial applications where controlled moisture content is beneficial. It dissolves readily in water, forming strongly alkaline solutions useful in various industries.
Sodium Sulphide
Sodium Sulphide (Na₂S) is a yellow to red-yellow crystalline solid or powder with a characteristic odor of hydrogen sulfide. It is highly soluble in water, forming strongly alkaline solutions. This 25kg packaged product is widely used in the chemical, leather, pulp and paper, and textile industries as a reducing agent, sulfur donor, and in flotation processes. Due to its strong reducing properties and reactivity, it must be handled with care under proper safety measures.

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