Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the formula KOH, and is commonly called caustic potash.
This is colorless solid and a prototypical strong base. It has many industrial and niche applications, most of which exploit its corrosive nature and its reactivity toward acids.
Caustic potash is noteworthy as the precursor to most soft and liquid soaps as well as numerous potassium-containing chemicals.
Properties:
- Potassium hydroxide can be found in pure form by reacting sodium hydroxide with impure potassium.
- It is usually sold as translucent pellets.
- Caustic potash typically contains varying amounts of water. Its dissolution in water is strongly exothermic.
- Even at high temperatures, solid KOH does not dehydrate readily.
- KOH exhibits high thermal stability.
