Potassium Hydroxide Pellets Extra Pure
Potassium Hydroxide Pellets Extra Pure are solid, white, hygroscopic pellets known for their strong alkalinity and high reactivity. This compound is widely used in laboratories for pH adjustment, titrations, and chemical synthesis. In industrial settings, it plays a key role in soap and detergent manufacturing, biodiesel production, and water treatment processes. Its ability to absorb moisture and carbon dioxide from the air requires careful storage in airtight containers. With exceptional purity and consistent performance, it is a critical reagent in both academic and industrial chemistry environments.
Potassium Hydroxide Pellets Extra Pure
PRIMARY USES
- Chemical Manufacturing:
- Essential for producing potassium-based compounds like potassium carbonate, potassium soaps, and potassium phosphates.
- Used in the manufacture of biodiesel as a catalyst for transesterification.
- Soap and Detergent Industry:
- Used in the production of soft/liquid soaps (potassium soaps), offering better solubility than sodium-based soaps.
- Acts as a strong alkaline cleaner in industrial detergents.
- Laboratory Applications:
- Common strong base for acid-base titrations.
- Used in preparing buffer solutions and as a reagent in various synthesis reactions.
- Battery Industry:
- Used as the electrolyte in alkaline batteries, particularly nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries.
- Petroleum Industry:
- Employed in petroleum refining for removing acidic impurities and in oil & gas drilling fluids.
SECONDARY USES
- Textile Industry:
- Used in scouring and bleaching cotton and synthetic fibers.
- Acts as a merchandising agent to improve fabric strength and luster.
- Food Industry (regulated use):
- Occasionally used as a pH regulator, stabilizer, or thickener (E525), under strict controls.
- Pharmaceuticals:
- Involved in the preparation of some medicinal ointments and creams requiring high alkalinity.
- Used in compounding lotions, especially for treating warts and skin conditions.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name: Potassium Hydroxide
- CAS Number: 1310-58-3
- HS Code: 2815.20.00
- Molecular Formula: KOH
- Synonyms:
- Caustic potash
- Potash lye
- Lye (potassium)
- KOH pellets
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (pellets or flakes)
- Color & Odor: White or slightly off-white; odorless
- Boiling Point & Melting Point:
- Melting Point: ~360 °C
- Boiling Point: ~1320 °C (decomposes)
- Density/Specific Gravity: ~2.04 g/cm³
- Solubility:
- Highly soluble in water (exothermic reaction)
- Soluble in ethanol and glycerol
- pH Level: >13 (strongly alkaline in solution)
- Vapor Pressure & Volatility: Negligible vapor pressure
- Flash Point: Not flammable
- Autoignition Temperature: Not applicable
- Viscosity: Not applicable (solid)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS Classification):
- Corrosive to skin and eyes (Skin Corr. 1A)
- Causes severe burns and eye damage
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 3
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 1
- Exposure Limits:
- ACGIH TLV-C: 2 mg/m³ (ceiling limit)
- Reactivity:
- Reacts violently with acids and water
- Generates heat and can cause splattering when dissolved in water
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in tightly sealed containers
- Keep in cool, dry, and well-ventilated area
- Protect from moisture (hygroscopic)
- Incompatible Materials:
- Acids, aluminum, organic halogens, nitro compounds
- Container Type:
- Plastic (HDPE), stainless steel; avoid glass for strong solutions
- Shelf Life & Expiration Date:
- Indefinite if kept dry and sealed
- Special Handling Requirements:
- Use gloves, goggles, face shield, and lab coat
- Work in well-ventilated area or fume hood
- Add pellets slowly to water, never the reverse
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- Regulated by OSHA, EPA, REACH, and DOT
- Listed under TSCA inventory
- Transportation Restrictions:
- UN Number: UN1813
- Class: 8 (Corrosive)
- Packing Group: II
- Waste Disposal Method:
- Neutralize with acid and dilute before disposal
- Follow local, regional, and national regulations
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Harmful to aquatic organisms due to high alkalinity
- Persistence in Environment:
- Reacts with COâ‚‚ to form potassium carbonate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability:
- Inorganic; does not biodegrade but neutralizes in environment
- Inorganic; does not biodegrade but neutralizes in environment
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Chemical splash goggles or full face shield
- Lab coat or chemical-resistant apron
- Neoprene or nitrile gloves (highly resistant to alkalis)
- Respiratory protection if dust is generated
- Enclosed footwear
Handling:
- Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing.
- Do not inhale dust or fumes.
- Always add pellets to water slowly—never add water to pellets (exothermic reaction).
- Handle under a fume hood or well-ventilated area.
Storage:
- Store in a tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant container.
- Keep in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place.
- Hygroscopic: protect from moisture and air exposure.
- Segregate from acids, oxidizers, and flammable materials.
FIRST AID MEASURES
Inhalation:
- Remove the person to fresh air immediately.
- Provide oxygen if breathing is difficult.
- Seek medical attention promptly.
Skin Contact:
- Immediately flush skin with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove contaminated clothing and shoes.
- Get medical assistance urgently—even if irritation appears mild.
Eye Contact:
- Rinse eyes with water for at least 15–20 minutes while holding eyelids apart.
- Seek emergency medical help immediately—can cause severe damage or blindness.
Ingestion:
- Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting.
- Drink water or milk if conscious.
- Seek immediate medical help—severe burns to mouth, throat, and stomach may occur.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
Flammability:
- Not flammable but highly reactive.
Extinguishing Media:
- Use dry chemical, COâ‚‚, or alcohol-resistant foam for surrounding fire.
- Do not use water directly on potassium hydroxide—it reacts violently with water and generates heat.
Hazardous Combustion Products:
- Emits toxic fumes of potassium oxide and may produce heat on reaction with water.
Firefighter Protection:
- Use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear.
- Approach fire from upwind to avoid caustic vapors.