Potassium Hydroxide
Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound, and is commonly called caustic potash. Along with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), Potassium hydroxide is a prototypical strong base.
Usage of Potassium Hydroxide:
Precursor to other potassium compounds, Manufacture of soft soaps, As an electrolyte, Food industry, Niche applications and other.
It has many industrial and niche applications, most of which exploit its caustic nature and its reactivity toward acids. An estimated 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes were produced in 2005. Potassium hydroxide is noteworthy as the precursor to most soft and liquid soaps, as well as numerous potassium-containing chemicals. It is a white solid that is dangerously corrosive.
Chemical formula:
KOH
Other names:
Caustic potash, Lye, Potash lye, Potassia, Potassium hydrate, KOH
Appearance:
White solid, deliquescent
Density:
2.044 g/cm3 (20 °C)
2.12 g/cm3 (25 °C)