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2.  Appearance White flake
 Boiling Point 1327 °C
 CAS Number 1310-58-3
 Density 2.044 g/cm3
 EINECS Number 215-181-3
 Melting Point 360 °C
 Molar Mass 56.1056 g/mol
 RTECS Number TT2100000
 Related Compounds Potassium Oxide
 Solubility 121 g/100 ml

3.  Historically potassium hydroxide was made
by adding potassium carbonate (potash) to a
strong solution of calcium hydroxide (slaked
lime), leading to a double displacement
reaction which causes calcium carbonate to
precipitate, leaving potassium hydroxide in
solution:
 Ca(OH)2 + K2CO3
→ CaCO3 + 2 KOH
 Calcium hydroxide potassium carbonate
calcium carbonate potassium hydroxide

4.  Filtering off the precipitated calcium
carbonate and boiling down the solution
gives potassium hydroxide (calcinated or
caustic potash).
 It was the most important method of
producing potassium hydroxide until the late
19th century, when it was largely replaced by
the current method of electrolysis of
potassium chloride (KCl) solutions.
 In the reaction for electrolysis method is as
below -
 2 KCl + 2 H2O → 2 KOH + Cl2 + H2

5.  Hydrogen gas forms as a by-product on the
cathode; concurrently, an anodic oxidation of
the chloride ion takes place, forming
chlorine gas as a byproduct.
 Separation of the anodic and cathodic spaces
in the electrolysis cell is essential for this
process. © Wikipedia.

6.  Potassium hydroxide is used in the production of
agricultural-grade fertilizers. These fertilizers
can be used as a source of potassium for crops
that are sensitive to chloride ions.
 Potassium hydroxide is used in manufacturing of
soaps that include those made from coconut oil
fatty acid, vegetable oil, tall oil and toluene
sulfonic acid.
 Alkaline batteries contain potassium hydroxide.
The alkaline solution of potassium hydroxide
provides the high ionic conductivity of the
battery, and contributes to the reason that
alkaline batteries outperform cheaper zinc-carbon
batteries.

7.  Potassium hydroxide is often found as an additive in
commercially processed foods, and as a rinse or
chemical peel for fruits and vegetables. It is added to
processed foods as a stabilizer to prolong shelf-life,
and as a thickener.
 It is used as a neutralizer in petroleum refining.
 Used in chemical analysis to measure the
concentration of acids.
 Potassium hydroxide acts as a defoaming agent in the
manufacturing process of paper. It is also used as a
lawn food, industrial fertilizer, fungicide and
herbicide. Heated potassium hydroxide is commonly
used for bulk etching of silicon wafers, which is
important in the manufacture of certain micro-electronic
devices.

8.  Potassium Hydroxide is extremely corrosive and can be a
hazardous irritant when exposure is at high levels.
 Eye Contact- Potassium hydroxide is corrosive and it may
cause burns, severe irritation, severe pain, swelling,
impaired vision and/or eventually blindness if it comes
into contact with an individual’s eyes.
 Ingestion- Potassium hydroxide is extremely toxic so it may
cause burns, diarrhea, vomiting, severe stomach pain,
shock and/or death if it is ingested.
 Inhalation- Since potassium hydroxide is corrosive, it may
cause an individual to cough, sneeze, develop breathing
problems and/or damage the individual’s lungs if it is
inhaled - the amount of damage depends on the amount of
exposure.
 Skin Contact - an individual may develop blisters, burns,
severe pain and/or permanent scars if the skin comes into
contact with potassium hydroxide.

9.  Hands should be washed thoroughly after
handling potassium hydroxide. It should be
used with adequate ventilation. Do not allow
water to get into the container because of
violent reaction. Do not get in eyes, on skin,
or on clothing. Do not ingest or inhale.
 Potassium hydroxide should be stored in a
tightly closed container. Store in a cool, dry,
well-ventilated area away from incompatible
substances. Potasium hydroxide should be
kept away from strong acids, water, metals,
flammable liquids and organic halogens.

10.  Manufacturers - The Mosaic, ICL Fertilizers,
Occidental Chemical Corporation, PotashCorp,
GFS Chemicals Inc,Allan Chemical Corp.

 Largest manufacturing country/consuming
country: Asia Pacific region accounted for more
than a half of global potassium hydroxide
demand, followed by North America and Europe.

 Market trends of sodium hydroxide - Asia
Pacific region dominated the global demand for
potassium hydroxide and the trend is expected
to continue till 2019.

11. World of chemicals portal deals with
worldwide Potassium hydroxide suppliers,
Potassium hydroxide manufacturers, dealers
and distributors
 http://www.worldofchemicals.com/chemical
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