Construction, Mining, Metal
Do you have questions?
We unleash your business potential by maximize the business innovation.
Send EmailE525, Potassium Hydroxide, KOH, Caustic Potash, Potassium Hydrate, Potassium Lye, 1310-58-3
📄 Technical Data Sheet – Potassium Hydroxide (Caustic Potash)
| Property | Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| E Code | E525 |
| CAS Number | 1310-58-3 |
| EC Number | 215-181-3 |
| Chemical Name | Potassium Hydroxide |
| Molecular Formula | KOH |
| Molecular Weight | 56.11 g/mol |
| Other Names | Caustic Potash, Potassium Hydrate, Potassium Lye, Potassium Iye, Potassa, Potassium Hydroxyl, Potassium Oxidanide, Potassium Caustic Flakes |
🧊 Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| State | Solid (pellets, flakes, or powder) |
| Color | White or slightly yellow |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Boiling Point | 1324°C |
| Melting Point | 360°C |
| Density | 2.04 g/cm³ |
| Solubility | 110 g/100 mL in water at 25°C; soluble in ethanol, methanol, glycerin; slightly soluble in ether |
| pH (1% solution) | ~13.5 (strongly alkaline) |
| Flammability | Non-flammable 🔥❌ |
| Corrosiveness | Highly corrosive ⚠️ |
🧪 Chemical Characteristics
-
Strong alkali; forms highly alkaline solutions in water and polar solvents
-
Reacts with acids to form potassium salts
-
Acts as a neutralizing agent and pH regulator
-
Absorbs moisture from air (hygroscopic)
🏭 Industrial Applications
| Sector | Usage |
|---|---|
| Chemical Industry | Production of potassium compounds, ion exchange resins |
| Construction & Insulation | Catalyst in phenol-formaldehyde and mineral wool production |
| Food Industry | pH control, stabilizer, thickener (E525) |
| Cleaning Products | Drain cleaners (25–36%), industrial degreasers |
| Medical Field | Wart treatment, fungal microscopy, CO₂ absorber in anesthesia |
| Battery Manufacturing | Electrolyte (≤35% concentration) |
| Cosmetics | pH buffer in perfumes, hair sprays (0.1–5%), bath products, shaving creams |
| Gel Production | pH regulator in ultrasound and disinfectant gels |
| Agriculture | Soil pH balancing, potassium source, humic acid activation |
| Biodiesel | Alkali catalyst for transesterification |
| Polymer & Composites | Soft soap, coconut fiber-reinforced PP, polyurethane recycling |
| Metal Processing | Cleaning aluminum/steel, degreasing kitchenware, chrome ore boiling |
| Adhesives | pH adjuster in water-based rubber adhesives |
| Hairdressing | pH control in perm solutions |
| Corrosion & Scale Inhibitors | Active ingredient in protective formulations |
🧊 Storage Guidelines
-
Store in dry, cool, well-ventilated areas
-
Use airtight, corrosion-resistant containers
-
Avoid exposure to moisture and CO₂
-
Recommended temperature: 5–30°C
-
Shelf life: 12–24 months under proper conditions
⚠️ Safety Information
-
Hazard Class: Corrosive – UN 1813
-
PPE Required: Gloves 🧤, goggles 🥽, face shield 🛡️, protective clothing 🦺
-
First Aid:
-
Skin contact: Rinse with water for 15+ minutes
-
Eye contact: Flush with water, seek medical help
-
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, monitor symptoms
-
-
Spill Response: Neutralize with weak acid (e.g., acetic acid), absorb with inert material
-
Transport Compliance: ADR, IMDG, IATA ✅
📊 Sectoral Compatibility Table – Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)
| 🏭 Sector | ✅ Compatibility | 📌 Description | ⚙️ Technical Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Industry | ✅ Compatible | Used in potassium compound synthesis and neutralization reactions | Acts as a strong base and neutralizing agent |
| Construction & Insulation | ✅ Compatible | Catalyst in phenol-formaldehyde and mineral wool production | Enables polymerization and bonding reactions |
| Food Industry | ⚠️ Limited | Used as pH regulator and thickener under E-code E525 | Only permitted in food-grade formulations |
| Cleaning Products | ✅ Compatible | Used in drain cleaners and industrial degreasers | Applied in 25–36% concentration in liquid form |
| Medical Applications | ✅ Compatible | Used in wart treatment, fungal microscopy, and CO₂ absorption | Involved in clinical sample prep and anesthesia systems |
| Battery Manufacturing | ✅ Compatible | Used as electrolyte in alkaline batteries | Typically diluted to ≤35% by weight |
| Hairdressing | ✅ Compatible | Used in perming and hair spray formulations | Neutralizer in 0.1–5.0% concentration |
| Cosmetics | ✅ Compatible | Used in perfumes, bath products, shaving creams, hair dyes | Acts as pH buffer and softening agent |
| Agriculture | ✅ Compatible | Used for soil pH balancing and potassium supplementation | Reacts with leonardite to produce humic acid |
| Biodiesel | ✅ Compatible | Alkali catalyst in transesterification reactions | Enhances reaction speed and yield |
| Polymer & Composites | ✅ Compatible | Used in soft soap, polyurethane recycling, coconut fiber PP | Supports saponification and flexural development |
| Metallurgy | ✅ Compatible | Used in cleaning aluminum/steel and chrome ore boiling | Degreasing agent in industrial washing systems |
| Adhesives | ✅ Compatible | pH adjuster in water-based adhesives for rubber bonding | Alternative to aqueous ammonia |
| Surface Treatment | ✅ Compatible | Removes organic contaminants from metal surfaces | Used in final cleaning and coating prep |
| Process Regulation | ✅ Compatible | Used for pH adjustment and reaction control | Stabilizes chemical processes and formulations |
