Potassium hydroxide

Description

White deliquescent solid. Potassium hydroxide is a strongly caustic material that has long been used in the manufacture of Soap. It is used as a mordant in dyeing Wood and as a component in paint removers, and printing inks. Potassium hydroxide is also used as an etchant in photoengraving and lithography.

Synonyms and Related Terms

caustic potash; potassium hydrate; pottassium lye; potassa

Risks

Toxic by ingestion and inhalation. Strongly caustic and corrosive to tissue. Deleterious to wool, leather, aluminum, lead, tin and zinc.

ThermoFisher: SDSd

Physical and Chemical Properties

Soluble in water, ethanol, glycerol. Slightly soluble in ether. Absorbs water and carbon dioxide from the air.

Composition	KOH
CAS	1310-58-3
Melting Point	405
Density	2.044
Molecular Weight	mol. wt. = 56.1
Boiling Point	1324