Cas No: 1310-58-3
EINESC No: 215-181-3
Molecular weight: 56.11 g/mol
Chemical Formula: KOH
Chemical Structure:
Physical Properties
General Properties: White Solid
Odor: Odorless
Intensity: 2,044 g/cm3 (20 °C)
Boiling point: 1.1327 °C
Melting point: 360 °C
Flash point: –
Vapor pressure: –
Refraction index: 1.409 ND (20 °C)
Solubility
Viscosity:
General Properites
Potassium Hydroxide, commonly known as caustic potash, is an inorganic compound. Its formula is KOH. It is a colorless solid and a strong alcali. It can be used in many fields due to this property and its reactivity to acids. It is an extreme water retainer and when it comes in contact with air it immediately creates hydrates and becomes adhesive. It is not easily dehydrated even in high temperatures.
Production
In the past, it is produced by adding potassium carbonate to calcium hydroxide (slaked lime). After 19th century, it is made by extracting hydrolysis from potassium chlorine. This process is familiar to chlorakali process, manifacture of sodium hydroxide.
Applications
KOH and NaOH can be used interchangeably to one another but NaOH is commonly preferred due to cost-efficiency. Potassium Hydroxide is often used as a pioneer in industry and other potassium compounds. It is preferred in production of batteries as it is more condutive than sodium hyroxide. It has a very wide array of use in fields such as small batteries and electric cars. It is used as a pH control agent and food stabilizer in food production.
Aside from these, it can also be used in livestock farming and cosmetics due to it being a strong alcali.
Safety Measures and Toxic Values
Potassium Hydroxide is extremely irritant on tissue. It is very dangerous to swallow or inhale it. It may cause permanent injuries if it contacts with eyes. It should be sluiced in this case.