Potassium hydroxide
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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; potassium lye; potassa
Risks
- Toxic by ingestion and inhalation
- Strongly caustic and corrosive to tissue
- Deleterious to wool, leather, aluminum, lead, tin and zinc.
- ThermoFisher: SDS
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 C |
| Density | 2.044 g/ml |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt. = 56.1 |
| Boiling Point | 1324 C |