Potassium hydroxide
CAS 1310-58-3
EC 215-181-3
Formula HKO
MW 56.11 g/mol
Alkalis & Bases Food & NutritionPulp & PaperTextile, Leather & PaperPharmaceuticals & HealthcareWater TreatmentLubricants & MetalworkingAgriculture & Feed pH Regulation & BufferingCatalysisPreservation & BiocideCleaning & DegreasingFlame Retardancy
Description
Potassium hydroxide (KOH), also known as caustic potash, lye, or potash, carries the E-number E525 and CAS 1310-58-3. It is a strong inorganic base produced through the electrolysis of potassium chloride solution, available commercially as pellets, flakes, or concentrated aqueous solution.
In water treatment, KOH raises pH to precipitate heavy metals and neutralise acidic effluents. In soap and detergent manufacturing, it saponifies fats and oils to produce soft or liquid soaps, where its higher solubility compared to sodium hydroxide is a process requirement. It also serves as a catalyst in biodiesel transesterification reactions.
Potassium hydroxide is supplied in food-grade (FCC, E525), pharmaceutical-grade (Ph.Eur.), and technical grades to meet application-specific purity requirements. The substance is registered under REACH and classified under CLP regulations. Standard packaging includes 25 kg bags, 200 kg drums, and IBC containers, with bulk options available on request.
In water treatment, KOH raises pH to precipitate heavy metals and neutralise acidic effluents. In soap and detergent manufacturing, it saponifies fats and oils to produce soft or liquid soaps, where its higher solubility compared to sodium hydroxide is a process requirement. It also serves as a catalyst in biodiesel transesterification reactions.
Potassium hydroxide is supplied in food-grade (FCC, E525), pharmaceutical-grade (Ph.Eur.), and technical grades to meet application-specific purity requirements. The substance is registered under REACH and classified under CLP regulations. Standard packaging includes 25 kg bags, 200 kg drums, and IBC containers, with bulk options available on request.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 380 °C |
| Boiling Point | 1327 °C |
| Density | 2.044 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 52 °F |
| Appearance | White, deliquescent pieces, lumps, sticks, pellets, or flakes having a crystalline fracture. Keep well stoppered, absorbs water and carbon dioxide from the air. Soluble in water, alcohol, glycerol; slightly soluble in ether. |
| Color | white |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Form | powder |
| Water Solubility | soluble |
| Vapor Pressure | 1 mm Hg ( 719 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.421 |
| pH | 14 (56g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | -1.380 (est) |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS05 GHS07 GHS06 GHS08
H
H290H301H302H304H314H318H370H372H402
P
P234P260P264P270P273P280P316P317P319P321P330P331P363P390P405P406P501P264+P265P301+P316P301+P317P304+P340P308+P316P301+P330+P331P302+P361+P354P305+P354+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 28152000 |
| UN Number | 2924 |
| ADR Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Storage Class | 8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
lyeE525KOHPotashPSE 200
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
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