Chemicals and Solvents

Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound that has a potent base and is marketed in several forms. It is used in manufacturing, industrial, and chemical applications. This article will cover what potassium hydroxide is, its chemical properties, its top applications, and the hazards that are associated with it.

What is Potassium Hydroxide?

Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula of KOH. It is also commonly called caustic potash. This particular compound is an alkali metal hydroxide and acts as a very powerful base. Potassium hydroxide is used in many different industries.

Potassium Hydroxide Chemical Properties

The following are the chemical properties of potassium hydroxide:

• Chemical Formula: KOH
• Molar Mass: 56.11 g/mol
• Density: 2.044 g/㎤
• Melting Point: 360℃
• Boiling Point: 1,327℃
• Appearance: Potassium hydroxide has both an aqueous form and a solid form. In its aqueous form, it appears as a clear solution. In its solid form, it appears white to pale yellow in the form of either rods, pellets, flakes, or lumps.
• Odor: No characteristic odor
• Solubility in Water: It is soluble in water

What are the Top Applications for Potassium Hydroxide?

Potassium hydroxide is used by many chemists because of its strong base and it is used in many different industrial applications.

Here are some of its many applications:

1. Electrolyte in alkaline batteries

Using potassium hydroxide in alkaline batteries is more desirable than using sodium hydroxide because potassium hydroxide’s solution is more conductive.

      2. Agent to control pH in food industry

This inorganic compound is used as a pH control agent and as a food stabilizer.

3. Thickening agent

In the food industry, hydrogen peroxide is used to thicken food.

4. Cuticle removers

Potassium hydroxide is an active ingredient in cuticle removers. The aggressive base of KOH damages the cuticle making it easier to remove.

5.Identifies species of fungi

Potassium hydroxide is used to identify certain species of fungi. This is done by adding a few drops of the aqueous solution to the fungi to see if it changes color.

6. Liquid fertilizers

Potassium hydroxide is used to manufacture liquid fertilizers. The high solubility of potassium hydroxide makes it an ideal compound to use in fertilizers.

7. Soft soaps

Due to the softness and solubility, potassium soap doesn’t require much water to liquify and can contain more cleaning agent.

8. Cleaning agent and disinfectant

Potassium hydroxide has corrosive properties that make it a great agent for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and materials.

What are Examples of Potassium Hydroxide?

The following are some examples of potassium hydroxide:

• Potassium Hydroxide 45%

Potassium hydroxide 45% implies that 100 grams of potassium hydroxide solution contains 45 grams of KOH.

• Ricca Potassium Hydroxide, 30%

Potassium hydroxide 30% means that 100 grams of potassium hydroxide solution contains 30 grams of KOH.

Potassium Hydroxide Hazards

There are some safety measurements that you need to keep in mind when using potassium hydroxide. Potassium hydroxide can irritate the eyes, mucous membranes, and skin. Contact with water generates heat which in turn ignites combustion. This compound is corrosive to tissues.

Where Can You Buy Potassium Hydroxide

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