KOH, or caustic potash, is a strong base used in industry, especially for making soft soaps and potassium compounds. It is a white, corrosive solid.
🏭⚗️ Properties and structure
It’s thermally stable, hygroscopic, and dissolves exothermically in water. At room temperature, its structure shows ordered OH⁻ groups. It forms several hydrates.
🧪 Uses
Used like NaOH, but more expensive.
Catalyst for hydrothermal gasification process
KOH boosts gas and hydrogen yield in waste-to-fuel processes.
Precursor to other potassium compounds
Used to make fertilizers and other potassium salts.
Manufacture of soft soaps
Used to make soft, water-soluble potassium soaps.
⚠️Safety
Highly caustic; harmful to skin, eyes, and lungs. When neutralized, becomes non-toxic and is approved as food additive E525.
