Potassium hydroxide, also known as caustic potash, is a water-soluble compound widely used in various industries. One of the traditional methods of producing potassium hydroxide involves the reaction of calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime) with potassium carbonate. The resulting solution is filtered, and after separating the calcium carbonate, it is boiled. As a result, the water in the solution evaporates, leaving solid potassium hydroxide as the product.
Another production method involves the reaction of sodium hydroxide with potassium (a mineral). This compound is usually produced in the form of transparent pellets, which become sticky when exposed to air.
In industrial production, potassium hydroxide is obtained through the electrolysis of potassium chloride solution using the membrane and mercury processes. The electrolysis process for potassium chloride is similar to that of sodium chloride used for producing sodium hydroxide. Potassium hydroxide is highly corrosive and serves as a precursor for manufacturing various soaps and as a raw material for producing potassium-based chemicals.
Technical Characteristics
| Chemical Formula | KOH |
| Other names | Caustic potash Lye Potash lye Potassia Potassium hydrate |
| CAS Number | 1310-58-3 |
| Molar mass | 56.105 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 410°C |
| Boiling Point: | 1327 °C |
| Appearance | white solid, deliquescent |
Applications
– Battery and fuel cell production
– Agriculture
– Applications in chemical laboratories
– Petrochemical industry
– pH adjustment
– Food industry
– Medicine
– Production of cosmetics and personal care products
– Textile industry
– Leather industry
Environmental impact of Potassium hydroxide
For Potassium Hydroxide in solution absorb liquids in dry sand, earth, or a similar material and place into sealed containers for disposal. Do not wash into sewer. For water spills, neutralize with dilute acid (such as Acetic Acid). Potassium Hydroxide is harmful to aquatic life in very low concentrations.
Safety Measures and Regulations for Handling Potassium hydroxide
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus. Wear full chemical protective clothing. Use personal protective equipment as required. Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothes. Potassium hydroxide rapidly absorbs carbon dioxide and water from the air and deliquesces. Potassium hydroxide solutions should be stored in plastic bottles (polyethylene or polypropylene). KOH solutions will etch glass over a period of just a few days.
Packing
Potassium hydroxide is packaged in 25 kg bags.