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