potassium hydroxide

[pə′tas·ē·əm hī′dräk‚sīd]

(inorganic chemistry)

KOH Toxic, corrosive, water-soluble, white solid, melting at 360°C; used to make soap and matches, and as an analytical reagent and chemical intermediate. Also known as caustic potash; potassium hydrate.

The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Potassium Hydroxide

caustic potash, KOH, a strong alkali; colorless crystals. Density, 2.12 g/cm³ (25°C); melting point, 380°C.

Potassium hydroxide is readily soluble in water (97 g per 100 g H₂O at 0°C; 112 g at 20°C), liberating a considerable amount of heat. Potassium hydroxide is produced commercially in the form of an opaque solid white mass containing 90–92 percent KOH (representing a mixture of KOH and KOH·H₂O). In the air, potassium hydroxide absorbs H₂O and C0₂ and deliquesces, gradually converting to potassium carbonate K₂C0³. Potassium hydroxide has a destructive effect on skin, paper, wool, silk, and other organic materials; it causes severe burns on human skin and is particularly dangerous to the eyes. Safety goggles and rubber gloves must be worn when working with it. Potassium hydroxide is obtained by the electrolysis of calcium chloride solutions. Potassium hydroxide is used in the manufacture of liquid soaps, as a source material in the preparation of potassium salts, in alkaline batteries, and as a laboratory reagent.

Mentioned in

References in periodicals archive

Double- blind randomized placebo-controlled trial of the use of topical 10% potassium hydroxide solution in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum.

Comparison of 5% potassium hydroxide with 10% potassium hydroxide solution in treatment of molluscum contagiosum: A comparative study

The membrane electrolysis facility in Ibbenburen is to have a nominal annual capacity of approximately 130,000 metric tons of potassium hydroxide solution - and a nominal annual capacity of approximately 82,000 metric tons of chlorine.

Evonik, AkzoNobel Plan To Build A Membrane Electrolysis Facility

Negative results on potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation and on fungal culture, as well as an almost completely normal appearance of the nail

Update on onychomycosis: effective strategies for diagnosis and treatment CME post-test answer sheet

This result showed that the percent yield of biodiesel with potassium hydroxide was greater as compared to others that were 93% of mutton oil and 91% of beef oil.

BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM RESIDUAL ANIMAL FAT USING VARIOUS CATALYSTS

Mr Storey said the potassium hydroxide was a highly-corrosive substance and the equivalent of two teaspoon measures was a fatal dose.

POISON TRAGEDY OF 'NEGLECTED' TODDLER; Boy died after drinking 'toxic' plant food

It was known that the addition of caustic potash (potassium hydroxide) to boiler feedwater would reduce the corrosion to a minimum when the pH (a measure of the acidity of the water) was increased from 7 (neutral) to 10 (alkaline).

Steamboat corrosion

He said it appeared that a computer-controlled chemical pump malfunctioned and let out too much potassium hydroxide. He said the pump was immediately taken offline, and will be inspected today.

Chemical release prompts warning; Water users told to flush faucets

Potassium hydroxide and patch test results are negative.

Shoe allergy: think plantar dermatosis

Microbiologic examination on a 10% potassium hydroxide mount identified epithelial cells invaded by broad aseptate hyphae.

A case of skull base mucormycosis with osteomyelitis secondary to temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma

As he got older, he turned the basement of the family home into a laboratory, packed with physics textbooks and bottles labelled "potassium hydroxide" and "methanol".

NUKE KID ON THE BLOCK.. Boy, 17, builds nuclear reactor in his basement

Our labs use methanol, toluene, and potassium hydroxide. Some laboratories have nitric acid for cleaning generators or Aquatest 2010.

Oil and the lab rats

The water was spiked to 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 pH levels utilizing sodium hydroxide and repeated using potassium hydroxide. Then it was added to the same green sand mixture.

Casting answers & advice