Potassium hydroxide, also known as caustic potash, is a white solid with the formula KOH and has strong basic properties.
It releases heat when dissolved in water and is hygroscopic, meaning it retains moisture. It absorbs moisture from the environment and dissolves slowly. It melts at 360°C, is an alkaline base, and has a wide range of applications.
Areas of Use
- Industrial products
- Cleaning sector (e.g., soft soap production, liquid soap, detergents)
- Agriculture (regulating the pH balance of acidic soils, fertilizer production, pesticides)
- Veterinary medicine (animal medicine production)
- Medicine and industrial chemistry
- Recycled paper production
- As an electrolyte in batteries (alkaline batteries, accumulators)
- Production of stearic acid and shaving soap (for better lathering)
- In herbal experiments as a CO₂ absorber
- For neutralization in dairy products
- Dyestuffs, rubber production, organic synthesis
- Photography industry
Technical Properties
- Chemical Name: Potassium Hydroxide
- Chemical Formula: KOH
- Molecular Weight: 56.10564 g/mol
- Color / Form: White, Solid
- Density: 2.044 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 406°C
- Boiling Point: 1320°C
- pH: 14 (very strong base)
Packaging
- 25 kg bags (solid form)
- Liquid form in drums or IBC tanks