Introduction
Potassium hydroxide (CAS Number: 1310-58-3) is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula KOH. It is popularly known caustic potash. This strong base is a colorless solid and has various industrial as well as niche applications. It is a hygroscopic and odorless compound. This chemical is a precursor to many soaps and potassium containing chemicals. It is a highly corrosive compound. Manufacturing companies buy potassium hydroxide in 90% pure form and is sold commercially by potassium hydroxide suppliers. The remaining proportion is constituted by water and carbonates. It has a rhombohedral structure and is soluble in glycerol and alcohol. However, it is insoluble in liquid ammonia and ether.
Manufacture
Potassium hydroxide is manufactured by treating potassium carbonate with a strong calcium hydroxide solution. This reaction leads to the precipitation of calcium carbonate, where potassium hydroxide is left in the solution.
Ca(OH)2 + K2CO3 → CaCO3 + 2 KOH
The precipitated calcium carbonate is filtered off and the solution is boiled to produce potassium hydroxide.This process has been replaced by the electrolysis of potassium chloride solution and is adopted by most of the manufacturers. This process is similar to the synthesis of sodium hydroxide.
2 KCl + 2 H2O → 2 KOH + Cl2 + H2
Applications
- Potassium hydroxide suppliers supply the chemical to various industries. It can be interchangeably used with sodium hydroxide.
- However, manufacturers wouldn’t prefer to buy potassium hydroxide, when sodium hydroxide is available due to its lower cost as compared to the later chemical.
- Many manufacturers buy potassium hydroxide and use it in the synthesis of various potassium salts by neutralization reactions.
- Potassium salts of phosphate, permanganate, cyanide, carbonate and silicates are synthesized by treating with acids or oxides in the presence of potassium hydroxide.
- Fertilizer manufacturing companies prefer to buy potassium hydroxide from potassium hydroxide suppliers due to its highdesirable solubility.
- Potassium soaps are more effective,since they require less water to liquefyand have higher cleaning capacity than sodium soaps.
- Battery manufacturing industries buy potassium hydroxide from potassium hydroxide suppliers, where it is used as an electrolyte in batteries.
- Potassium hydroxide suppliers supply the chemical to the food industry, where it is used in food products as a pH control agent, food stabilizer and food thickener. It is known as E525.
Safety
Potassium hydroxide is a severe irritant to skin and other tissues.This chemical is harmful when ingested. Potassium hydroxide suppliers, manufacturers and factory personnel dealing with the chemical must wear corrosionproof clothing along with protective goggles, gloves and dust mask. Dust accumulation must be checked. The chemical should not come in contact with water. Air concentration must be measured regularly. Industries who buy potassium hydroxide must carry out their manufacturing processes under exhaust with proper ventilation and respiratory protection.
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