Potassium hydroxide

What is Potassium Hydroxide?

Potassium hydroxide, commonly referred to as caustic potash in the laboratory, is a mineral compound with the molecular formula KOH. This corrosive chemical compound, both corrosive and strongly basic, is a hard and solid white solid at ambient temperature and pressure, but very hygroscopic and deliquescent in moist air.

What is Potassium Hydroxide used for?

Potassium hydroxide is used in the fertilizer industry, in the chemical industry (for example for the alkaline electrolysis of water), in the manufacture of liquid soap or in the past in traditional soap factories, in the water as a softener...

It is present in detergents, used in bleaching, in paint cleaning, in the synthetic rubber industry, in petroleum installations for the removal of sulfur but also in pharmacy and medicine...

KOH is a gas desiccant, both basic and fast, but with a low capacity. It is also used, sometimes in combination with NaOH, as a solvent and solution desiccant: the drying is powerful and fast, the capacity is good. Potassium hydroxide is mainly used to dry amines.

In the laboratory, caustic potash can be used to absorb carbon dioxide and attack acids, especially silicates and glasses.

It can also be used in microbiology to determine the Gram type of a bacterium.

Buy Potassium Hydroxide?

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What Safety Precautions Should I Take Before Using Chemicals?

It is always wise to work as safely as possible when working with chemicals. Even substances that do not seem dangerous at first can cause enormous damage if they get into your eyes. Therefore, always wear safety goggles. You also want to prevent chemicals from ending up on your skin, which is why it is important to always use good gloves or disposable gloves.

Respiratory protection is necessary for volatile substances, vaporous liquids and solids that dust. There are many different types of filters, so you should always refer to the MSDS to find out which filter you need. Many filters also specify which substances they are for.

In some cases it may be necessary to protect the whole body, in which case a plastic overall is needed, you can find it here.

When working with flammable and oxidizing substances, it is important to always have fire extinguishers and absorbents at hand. It is also useful to be able to clean up spills of aggressive chemicals immediately with absorbents and to dispose of them in accordance with international and/or local legislation.

If you need more information on how to handle a specific substance, always consult the safety data sheet. You can find this on the product page or request it via [email protected]

Technical information

Formula:  KOH
MW: 56.11 g/mol
Boiling point: 1320 °C (1013 hPa)
Melting point: 360 °C
Density: 2.04 g/cm³ (20 °C)
CAS number: 1310-58-3
UN: 1813
ADR: 8,II

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Hazard statements
H290 May be corrosive to metals
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Precautionary statements
Precautionary statements - prevention
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
Precautionary statements - response
P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin
with water [or shower]
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact
lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing
P310 Immediately call a doctor