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.
Lead Nitrate
Lead Nitrate is a white crystalline inorganic compound composed of lead and nitrate ions. It is highly soluble in water and commonly used in laboratories and industrial applications as an oxidizing agent, in the preparation of other lead compounds, and as a reagent in chemical synthesis. Lead Nitrate is known for its strong oxidizing properties and must be handled with care due to its toxicity and environmental hazards.
Nitric Acid
Nitric Acid is a concentrated aqueous solution of nitric acid (HNO₃) commonly used as a strong oxidizing acid in numerous industrial, laboratory, and manufacturing processes. It is a highly corrosive, colorless to yellowish liquid with a pungent odor. Nitric Acid 68% is fundamental in the production of fertilizers, explosives, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. It is also widely used in metal treatment, etching, and cleaning applications due to its powerful oxidizing and nitrating properties.
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.
Sodium Thiosulphate
Sodium Thiosulphate (Na₂S₂O₃) is a white, crystalline, odorless powder or granular solid highly soluble in water. This 25kg packaged chemical is widely used in photographic processing, water treatment, chemical synthesis, and medicine. Known for its reducing and complexing properties, it acts as an effective dechlorinating agent and fixer in photography by dissolving silver halides. It is stable under normal conditions and easily handled for industrial and laboratory applications.
Trisodium Phosphate
Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) is an inorganic, highly alkaline compound commonly available as a white, granular or crystalline solid. It is widely used for its powerful cleaning, degreasing, buffering, and water-softening properties. TSP is a versatile compound with significant utility across food processing, detergents, industrial cleaning, water treatment, and construction industries. It also acts as a flux, pH adjuster, emulsifier, and sequestrant. Both technical and food grades are available depending on the application.
Zinc chloride
Zinc Chloride is a highly versatile, white crystalline inorganic compound known for its strong hygroscopic nature and high solubility in water. It serves multiple industrial roles including fluxing, dehydrating, catalysis, and preservation. With applications across metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, water treatment, and chemical synthesis, Zinc Chloride is valued for its reactivity and binding properties.

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