Potassium Hydroxide
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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.
Categories: Analytical Reagents, pH Modifiers
Tags: Caustic Potash, Inorganic Base, KOH 90% Flakes, Potassium Hydroxide, Water treatment
Description
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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.
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES
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
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
Related products
Calcium Hydroxide Hydrated Lime
Calcium Hydroxide Hydrated Lime, commonly known as Hydrated Lime or Slaked Lime, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Ca(OH)₂. It appears as a white, odorless, powder or crystalline solid. It is produced by treating quicklime (calcium oxide) with water in a process called slaking. Calcium Hydroxide is moderately soluble in water, forming a strongly alkaline solution known as limewater. It is widely used in construction, environmental, chemical, agricultural, and water treatment applications due to its caustic, neutralizing, and flocculating properties.
Cupric Sulphate Pentahydrate
Cupric Sulphate Pentahydrate (Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate) is a bright blue crystalline solid with the chemical formula CuSO₄·5H₂O. It is the hydrated form of copper sulfate and is highly soluble in water. This compound is widely used in agriculture, chemical manufacturing, and laboratory applications due to its fungicidal, algicidal, and micronutrient properties. The pentahydrate form is the most common and commercially available, known for its vivid blue color and versatile reactivity.
Guanidine Carbonate
Guanidine Carbonate is a white crystalline powder, highly soluble in water, with strong basicity and high nitrogen content. It’s a versatile chemical intermediate widely used in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, polymer chemistry, textiles, and laboratory research. Its buffering properties and reactivity make it valuable in synthesis, pH regulation, and as a nitrogen source.
Iodine Crystals
Iodine Crystals are high-purity elemental iodine in solid crystalline form. These dark violet-black crystals have a characteristic pungent odor and sublime easily at room temperature, releasing violet iodine vapors. Iodine is a halogen element widely used for its antiseptic, oxidizing, and chemical reagent properties in pharmaceutical, industrial, and laboratory applications.
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 Hexametaphosphate Food Grade
Sodium Hexametaphosphate Food Grade is a white, granular or powdery inorganic compound composed of sodium and metaphosphoric acid polymers. It is highly soluble in water and acts as an effective sequestrant, dispersing agent, and water softener. SHMP is widely used across various industries including food processing, water treatment, detergents, ceramics, and metallurgy. It helps control hardness, prevent scale formation, and stabilize formulations, making it valuable in both industrial and consumer applications.
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.
Sodium Sulphite (Blue)
Sodium Sulphite Blue is a white to bluish-white crystalline powder with the chemical formula Na₂SO₃. The “Blue” grade indicates a specific industrial quality often containing minor additives or impurities, used primarily in water treatment and chemical industries. It acts as an effective oxygen scavenger, reducing agent, and preservative. This 25kg packaged product is highly soluble in water, forming alkaline solutions, and is widely used in pulp and paper, water treatment, textile, and photographic industries.

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