Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)- Solid

Description

Potassium Hydroxide is one of the most versatile and powerful chemical compounds used in so many ways industrially and chemically. This is a very strong base with high alkalinity, which explains why it finds essential use in such things as soap production, biodiesel production, fertilizer, and cleansers. Potassium Hydroxide also finds use in the manufacture of chemicals, batteries, and food processing as a pH regulator. The said compound is highly soluble in water, giving an exothermic reaction with the formation of a colorless solution, which acts in neutralizing acids.

The main purpose of KOH in liquid soap and detergent manufacture is to saponify fats and oils into soft soaps. These soft soaps are used in various personal care and cleaning applications. Most of the chemicals containing potassium use KOH as a precursor; it is also used for the manufacture of potassium carbonate. In agriculture, it finds broad application as a fertilizer because it provides the soil and subsequently plants with potassium, an essential nutrient element for proper growth. Its caustic nature also renders it an effective cleaner and degreaser in industry.

Potassium hydroxide is being made in flakes, pellets, or solutions according to the many various industrial uses of this chemical. It is an extremely effective and powerful chemical that is generally used in so many production and manufacturing processes.

Specifications:

• Chemical Formula: KOH
• Appearance: White solid (flakes or pellets)
• pH (in solution): ~13.5 (strongly alkaline)
• Density: 2.044 g/cm³
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water, alcohol, and glycerol
• CAS Number: 1310-58-3
• Applications: Soap making, biodiesel production, cleaning products, batteries, fertilizers, chemical manufacturing
• Melting Point: ~360°C
• Boiling Point: ~1327°C
• Shelf Life: 24 months

Features:

• Strong alkaline base, excellent for neutralizing acids
• Essential in the production of liquid soaps, cleaning agents, and soft soaps
• Highly effective in biodiesel production and chemical synthesis
• Soluble in water with exothermic reaction, forming a colorless solution
• Used in food processing, batteries, and fertilizers
• Versatile and widely used in industrial cleaning and degreasing applications
• Potassium-rich fertilizer for plant growth

Chemical Description

• Potassium Hydroxide is mainly used in the electroplating and lithography industries.
• The product is used as a raw material for potassium salt production.
• In the pharmaceutical industry, potassium hydroxide is used to produce potassium borohydride, spironolactone, and testosterone propionate.
• Potassium Hydroxide is also used to produce potassium soap, alkaline storage batteries and cosmetics
• In the dye industry, Potassium hydroxide is used to produce vat dyes.
• In the textile industry, Potassium hydroxide is used for printing and dyeing.
• The product also serves as a heating agent and leather degreasing.
• The product is regarded as being moderately toxic to aquatic organisms as it elevates pH levels in water causing the water to become more alkaline.
• Potassium Hydroxide is highly corrosive to organic materials and human tissue, posing serious health risks upon direct contact.
• When dissolving in water, Potassium Hydroxide generates highly alkaline solutions which are capable of reacting with and neutralizing acids, making them useful in various chemical applications.
• The product should be stored in tightly sealed containers to prevent absorption of moisture from the air. Improper storage can result in the creation of potassium carbonate, which reduces the effectiveness of the compound.
• Potassium Hydroxide is produced through the process of electrolysis of potassium chloride solutions, a process known as the chloroalkali process.
• In the food industry, Potassium Hydroxide is a food thickener due to its pH level.
• The FDA considers Potassium Hydroxide as being generally safe as a direct food ingredient when used in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Potassium Hydroxide has a few niche applications too due to its ability to degrade many materials.
• There has been new research being conducted on the use of Potassium Hydroxide in medicinal applications, specifically in its use to decompose soft tissue and leave behind only hard bones and hard tissue.
• Recently, entomologists have been applying the product for insect study.