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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
Related products
Benzyl Konium Chloride
Benzyl Konium Chloride (BAC) 50% is a quaternary ammonium compound with potent antimicrobial and disinfectant properties. It is a cationic surfactant widely used for its bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal effects. This clear to pale yellow liquid concentrate is highly soluble in water and is commonly used in healthcare, sanitation, and industrial hygiene applications. BAC 50% solutions serve as active ingredients in disinfectants, sanitizers, and antiseptics due to their effectiveness against a broad spectrum of microorganisms.
Caustic Soda Flakes (Sodium Hydroxide)
Caustic Soda Flakes, also known as Sodium Hydroxide Flakes (NaOH), are a highly alkaline, white, solid substance that is crystalline and flaky in form. Produced by evaporating aqueous sodium hydroxide solutions, these flakes are highly soluble in water and exhibit strong corrosive properties. Caustic Soda Flakes are widely used in a variety of industrial, chemical, and manufacturing processes due to their strong alkalinity, ability to saponify fats, and effectiveness in pH adjustment. Their high purity and ease of handling in flake form make them suitable for use in chemical synthesis, pulp and paper production, water treatment, and detergent manufacturing.
Caustic Soda Pearls
Caustic Soda Pearls are small, solid, spherical particles of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) produced by a controlled cooling and solidification process. These pearls offer superior flowability, uniform size distribution, and reduced dust generation compared to flake or powder forms. They are highly soluble in water, exhibiting a strong alkaline nature with vigorous exothermic dissolution. Caustic Soda Pearls are widely used across industries including chemical manufacturing, water treatment, pulp and paper processing, and detergents due to their purity, ease of handling, and efficient dissolution characteristics.
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 Hydrosulphite
Sodium Hydrosulphite, also known as sodium dithionite, is a white to yellowish powder with a strong reducing property. It is highly soluble in water and decomposes readily, releasing sulfur dioxide and sulfites. Widely used as a powerful reducing agent and bleaching agent, it finds applications in textile processing, paper and pulp industries, water treatment, and chemical manufacturing. Its ability to break down colored compounds makes it ideal for decolorization and cleaning processes.
Sodium Metabisulphite
Sodium Metabisulphite is a white crystalline powder widely used as an antioxidant, disinfectant, and preservative. It dissolves readily in water, releasing sulfur dioxide, which acts as a powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant agent. This chemical finds broad applications in food processing, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and industrial manufacturing to prevent spoilage, control microbial growth, and protect equipment from corrosion.
Sodium Metasilicate Anhydrous
Sodium Metasilicate Anhydrous is a white crystalline solid known for its alkaline properties and high solubility in water. It is widely used in industrial cleaning, detergent formulations, water treatment, and as a corrosion inhibitor. The anhydrous form is preferred where moisture sensitivity is a concern. It acts as a strong alkaline builder, improving the effectiveness of detergents and degreasers. This product is also used in adhesives, cement, and ceramics due to its binding and strengthening properties.
Sodium Tripolyphosphate
Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP), chemical formula Na₅P₃O₁₀, is a white, granular or powdery inorganic compound widely used as a sequestrant, dispersant, and detergent builder. This 25kg packaged product is highly soluble in water, forming alkaline solutions that effectively soften water by chelating calcium and magnesium ions. Its excellent emulsifying and dispersing properties make it an essential ingredient in detergents, water treatment, food processing, and industrial cleaning applications.
