Potassium hydroxide KOH CAS 1310-58-3
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a strong inorganic base supplied as white flakes, pellets or a granular powder, and as aqueous solutions at defined concentrations. KOH is a key alkali reagent and process chemical used across industrial manufacture (saponification, biodiesel, surfactants), electrochemical applications (alkaline batteries, electroplating), pH control and water/waste treatment, and in laboratory synthesis. The material is strongly alkaline, hygroscopic and corrosive — handle with appropriate engineering controls and PPE.
Applications
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Saponification & soap production
Used to convert fats and oils into potassium soaps, liquid soap and specialty surfactants; preferred where potassium soaps (soft soaps) are required. -
Biodiesel & esterification processes
Employed as a catalyst/alkali promoter for transesterification reactions producing biodiesel and esters. -
Electroplating & surface treatment
Used in alkaline electroplating baths, surface-cleaning and pickling processes where strong alkaline media are required. -
Battery electrolytes
Supplied as high-purity KOH for alkaline batteries and electrochemical cells as the principal electrolyte component. -
pH control & water treatment
Applied for pH adjustment, corrosion inhibition strategies and chemical dosing in industrial water treatment and wastewater neutralization. -
Chemical manufacture & fine chemicals
Used as base in organic synthesis (deprotonation, condensation), inorganic processes and as a feedstock for potassium salts. -
Laboratory reagent & analytical use
Used for titrations, reagents preparation and as a strong base in R&D and QC laboratories.
