Chemical laboratory

Potassium Hydroxide

High-Purity Caustic Potash for Industrial Applications

  • CAS 1310-58-3
  • Formula KOH
  • Flash Pt N/A °C
  • Density 2.044 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 1327°C °C
Flash point N/A °C
Density 2.044 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility 121 g/100 mL (0°C); 178 g/100 mL (25°C) -
Ph > 14 (1 M solution) -
Molecular weight 56.11 g/mol g/mol
Melting point 360 °C °C
Vapor pressure N/A mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance White or slightly yellow solid, typically available as flakes, pellets, sticks, or powder -
Odor Odorless -
Vapor density N/A g/cm³

Overview

Potassium Hydroxide (KOH), also known as caustic potash, is a highly alkaline inorganic compound that serves as one of the most important industrial chemicals. This white or slightly yellow solid is available in various forms including flakes, pellets, sticks, and powder, making it versatile for different industrial processes. With exceptional solubility in water and a pH greater than 14 in 1 M solution, KOH is a powerful base used across numerous industries for manufacturing, treatment, and processing applications.

Key Applications

  • Soap and Detergent Manufacturing: Essential saponification agent for converting fats and oils into soap products, providing superior cleaning properties compared to sodium-based alternatives.
  • Battery Production: Critical electrolyte component in alkaline batteries, enabling efficient energy storage and discharge in consumer electronics and industrial equipment.
  • Wastewater Treatment: Highly effective pH adjustment chemical for neutralizing acidic wastewater streams and precipitating heavy metals in municipal and industrial treatment facilities.
  • Biodiesel Production: Catalyst for transesterification reactions that convert vegetable oils and animal fats into biodiesel fuel, supporting renewable energy initiatives.

Safety & Handling

Potassium Hydroxide is a highly corrosive substance that requires careful handling procedures. As it is non-flammable with no flash point, fire hazards are minimal, but the chemical poses significant risks to skin, eyes, and respiratory systems. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas and have emergency eyewash stations readily available. Never add water directly to solid KOH as this generates intense heat and can cause violent reactions.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store Potassium Hydroxide in tightly sealed, moisture-resistant containers made of compatible materials such as steel or certain plastics. Keep in cool, dry areas away from acids, aluminum, zinc, and organic materials to prevent dangerous reactions. The chemical is highly hygroscopic and will absorb moisture from air, potentially forming corrosive solutions. When properly stored in original packaging, KOH maintains its effectiveness indefinitely, though regular inspection for container integrity is recommended.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical delivers reliable Potassium Hydroxide Koh supplies directly from our Taylor, Texas facility with same-day shipping capabilities. We offer flexible delivery options including UPS for smaller quantities, LTL for mid-size orders, and full truckload shipments for large-volume requirements. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure you receive consistent, high-quality material that meets your specifications and regulatory requirements.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is potassium hydroxide (KOH) and what is it used for?
Potassium hydroxide (KOH, CAS 1310-58-3) is a strong inorganic base appearing as a white, highly hygroscopic solid or as aqueous solutions. It is used as a caustic agent and catalyst in chemical synthesis, soap and detergent manufacture, biodiesel production, battery electrolytes, electronics etching, and laboratory applications.
How should KOH be stored and what is its shelf life?
Store KOH in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers away from acids and moisture. Sealed solid KOH is typically stable for 1–2 years; aqueous solutions can absorb CO2 and change over time, so shelf life depends on concentration, container integrity, and storage conditions.
What are the safety precautions and handling instructions for potassium hydroxide?
KOH is corrosive and can cause severe burns to skin and eyes and is harmful if inhaled; use chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection, and appropriate ventilation. Avoid contact with acids and incompatible metals, and in case of exposure rinse affected area with water and seek medical attention.
How do different concentrations of KOH affect its properties and use?
Concentration affects corrosivity, viscosity, freezing point, and compatibility; dilute solutions are easier to handle while concentrated solutions are more reactive and viscous. Suppliers offer KOH as solids (flakes/pellets) and aqueous solutions across a wide range (commonly 10–50% w/w), with selection based on application and handling capabilities.
What documentation is available when purchasing KOH?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS/GHS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS); additional regulatory or compliance documents (e.g., REACH, RoHS statements) can often be supplied on request. Verify that documentation matches the specific grade and batch before use.
How is potassium hydroxide shipped and what packaging options are available?
KOH is classified as a corrosive material (hazard class 8) for transport and must be shipped in accordance with local and international regulations; packaging options include lined drums, plastic pails, HDPE bags, and bulk tank deliveries for liquids. Specific packaging depends on form, concentration, quantity, and applicable transport rules.
What materials are compatible or incompatible with KOH?
KOH reacts with acids and some metals (e.g., aluminum, zinc, tin) producing hydrogen gas and is generally corrosive to many metals; compatible materials commonly include polyethylene, polypropylene, PTFE, and certain stainless steels (e.g., SS316) but compatibility depends on concentration and temperature. Always conduct compatibility testing for your system and consult supplier guidance.
What are the key technical specifications to request for KOH?
Request CAS number (1310-58-3), chemical formula (KOH), physical form (flakes, pellets, solution), purity/grade, assay or active content, water content for solids, density and concentration for solutions, and any impurity limits on metals or chloride in the COA. Also confirm packaging, storage instructions, and analytical methods used for testing.
Which industries and applications commonly use potassium hydroxide?
KOH is used across detergents and soap manufacturing, chemical synthesis, biodiesel production as a transesterification catalyst, alkaline battery electrolytes, electronics and semiconductor etching, plating and metal cleaning, and general laboratory reagent work. Its use is chosen when a strong, soluble base is required.
How can I purchase KOH and what availability should I expect?
KOH is widely available from chemical distributors in lab-scale bottles to bulk industrial quantities; lead times and minimum order quantities vary by supplier, grade, and packaging. Request COA and SDS, confirm regulatory compliance and transport requirements, and discuss storage/handling support with the supplier before placing large orders.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

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