Potassium hydroxide
Revision as of 06:12, 24 July 2013 by (username removed)
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
Other 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 |
Hazards and Safety
Toxic by ingestion and inhalation. Strongly caustic and corrosive to tissue. Deleterious to wool, leather, aluminum, lead, tin and zinc.
International Chemical Safety Card