Potassium Hydroxide | Solubility of Things

Identification

Molecular formula

KOH

CAS number

1310-58-3

IUPAC name

potassium;hydroxide

State

At room temperature, potassium hydroxide is typically found as a solid, either in the form of pellets, flakes, or powders.

Melting point (Celsius)

360.00

Melting point (Kelvin)

633.00

Boiling point (Celsius)

1 327.00

Boiling point (Kelvin)

1 600.00

General information

Molecular weight

56.11g/mol

Molar mass

56.1060g/mol

Density

2.0440g/cm³

Appearence

Potassium hydroxide appears as a white crystalline solid. It can also exist as a colorless or white liquid in solution. When in its solid form, it is highly deliquescent, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air, and it dissolves readily in water with the release of significant heat.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Potassium Hydroxide

Potassium hydroxide (K_OH), known for its strong alkaline properties, exhibits notable solubility in water. Here are some key aspects of its solubility:

Highly Soluble: K_OH is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 111 g per 100 mL at 20°C.
Cation Interaction: The solubility can be attributed to the strong interaction between the potassium ions (K⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH^-), which facilitates dissolution.
Temperature Effects: Increasing temperature typically enhances the solubility of K_OH, making it an important factor in its use in various chemical processes.
Acid-Base Reactions: When dissolved, K_OH readily dissociates, providing hydroxide ions that can react with acids, showcasing its efficacy in neutralization reactions.

As a result, potassium hydroxide's ability to dissolve in water makes it a critical component in various industrial applications, particularly in the production of soaps, detergents, and fertilizers.

In summary, "The more K_OH is dissolved, the more potent its basicity becomes."

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Potassium Hydroxide

Potassium hydroxide, often referred to as caustic potash, is an intriguing chemical compound with a variety of applications in both industrial and laboratory settings. Here are some compelling points that highlight its significance:

Versatile Uses: Potassium hydroxide is widely used in fertilizers, soap making, and as a strong alkaline agent in various chemical reactions.
Alkalinity: It is one of the strongest bases available, which makes it crucial for pH regulation in numerous chemical processes.
Hydration Reaction: When potassium hydroxide dissolves in water, it releases a significant amount of heat—a phenomenon known as an exothermic reaction.
Food Industry Application: In food processing, potassium hydroxide is sometimes utilized for peeling fruits and vegetables, highlighting its role beyond traditional chemistry.
Safety Considerations: As a highly caustic substance, safety precautions are essential when handling potassium hydroxide to avoid burns and skin irritation.

In the words of renowned chemist Linus Pauling, “The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas.” Similarly, potassium hydroxide embodies numerous ideas and applications, making it a cornerstone in many scientific and industrial fields.

With its fascinating properties and diverse uses, potassium hydroxide remains a compound of great interest to chemists and industry professionals alike, showcasing the interplay of chemistry in practical applications.

Synonyms

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE

1310-58-3

Caustic potash

Potash lye

Potassium hydrate

Hydroxyde de potassium

Potassa

Potasse caustique

Caustic-potash

Kali causticum

Caswell No. 693

Cyantek CC 723

Kaliumhydroxid

Aetzkali

CCRIS 6569

Potassio (idrossido di)

HSDB 1234

Potassium (hydroxyde de)

UNII-WZH3C48M4T

EINECS 215-181-3

WZH3C48M4T

EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 075602

INS NO.525

CHEBI:32035

INS-525

DTXSID5029633

E-525

EC 215-181-3

KOH

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (II)

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE [II]

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (MART.)

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE [MART.]

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE (EP MONOGRAPH)

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE [EP MONOGRAPH]

Kaliumhydroxyde

Atzkali

Potassium lye

potasio hidroxido

MIRACLE WATER 3 in 1

DTXCID209633

215-181-3

potassium hydroxide (acgih)

Potassium hydroxide (K(OH))

potassium;hydroxide

MFCD00003553

Potassium hydroxide, pellets

Potassium hydroxide, flake

Potassium Hydroxide (~85%)

potassiumhydroxide

Potasse caustique [French]

Potassium hydroxide [JAN]

Potassium Hydroxide (Semiconductor Grade)

Hydroxyde de potassium [French]

Potassio (idrossido di) [Italian]

Potassium (hydroxyde de) [French]

UN1813

UN1814

Kalilauge

Potassium hydroxide [JAN:NF]

hydroxyl potassium

potasium hydroxide

potassium hydoxide

potassium hydroxid

potassium hyroxide

potassium hydorxide

Acid Number Standard 0.1 mgKOH/g. Reference materials intended for use in the determination of Acid

Acid Number Standard 0.5 mgKOH/g. Reference materials intended for use in the determination of Acid

Acid Number Standard 1 mgKOH/g. Reference materials intended for use in the determination of Acid Nu

Acid Number Standard 3 mgKOH/g. Reference materials intended for use in the determination of Acid Nu

Base Number Standard 10 mgKOH/g. Reference material intended for use in the determination of Base Nu

Base Number Standard 30 mgKOH/g. Reference materials intended for use in the determination of Base N

Base Number Standard 6 mgKOH/g. Reference materials intended for use in the determination of Base Nu

potassium -hydroxide

Potassium hydroxide (TN)

Potassium hydroxide, solid

Potassium hydroxide (KOH)

Potassium Hydroxide, flakes

Potassium hydroxide anhydrous

Potassium Hydroxide (Powder)

KALI CAUSTICUM [HPUS]

Potassium Hydroxide (Pellets)

Potassium hydroxide on alumina

CHEMBL2103983

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE [MI]

Potassium hydroxide (JP17/NF)

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE [FCC]

Potassium Hydroxide, powder, ACS

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE [HSDB]

Potassium hydroxide, p.a., 85%

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE [VANDF]

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE [WHO-DD]

AKOS015904616

DB11153

FP34861

Potassium hydroxide, pellet, ACS reagent

Potassium hydroxide, pellets, ACS reagent

Potassium hydroxide, AR, flakes, >=85%

Potassium hydroxide, LR, flakes, >=85%

Potassium hydroxide, technical grade, 80%

Potassium hydroxide, AR, pellets, >=85%

Potassium hydroxide, LR, pellets, >=85%

NS00081389

P2844

P2849

D01168

Potassium hydroxide, technical, >=85%, lumps

Potassium hydroxide, technical, >=85%, powder

Potassium hydroxide, BioXtra, >=85% KOH basis

Potassium hydroxide, reagent grade, 90%, flakes

Potassium hydroxide, SAJ first grade, >=85.0%

Potassium hydroxide, tested according to Ph.Eur.

Potassium hydroxide, JIS special grade, >=85.0%

Potassium hydroxide, ROTI?Volum, 0,1N (Ampoule)

Q132298

Potassium hydroxide, ACS reagent, >=85%, pellets

Potassium hydroxide, electronic grade, 50% in H2O

Potassium hydroxide, solid [UN1813] [Corrosive]

Potassium hydroxide solution 10% (wt/v) in methanol

Potassium hydroxide, >=85% KOH basis, pellets, white

Base Number (BN) Standard: 6 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil

Potassium hydroxide, pellets, Trace Metals Grade 99.95%

Potassium hydroxide, puriss. p.a., >=86% (T), pellets

Acid Number (AN) Standard: 0.1 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil

Acid Number (AN) Standard: 0.5 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil

Acid Number (AN) Standard: 1.0 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil

Acid Number (AN) Standard: 1.5 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil

Acid Number (AN) Standard: 2.0 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil

Acid Number (AN) Standard: 3.0 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil

Base Number (BN) Standard: 10 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil

Base Number (BN) Standard: 15 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil

Base Number (BN) Standard: 30 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil

Base Number (BN) Standard: 40 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil

Base Number (BN) Standard: 70 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil

Potassium hydroxide, anhydrous, >=99.97% trace metals basis

Potassium hydroxide, puriss. p.a., Reag. Ph. Eur., >=85%, pellets

Potassium hydroxide, semiconductor grade PURANAL(TM) (Honeywell 17851)

Potassium hydroxide solution in ethanol, 0,05 mol/l, 0,05 N volumetric standard solution

Acid Number Standard 1.5 mgKOH/g. Reference materials intended for use in the determination of Acid Number in petroleum products by potentiometric titration (ASTM D664) or color-indicator titration

Acid Number Standard 2 mgKOH/g. Reference materials intended for use in the determination of Acid Nu

Potassium hydroxide, puriss., meets analytical specification of Ph. Eur., BP, NF, 85-100.5%, pellets

Potassium hydroxide, semiconductor grade, pellets, 99.99% trace metals basis (Purity excludes sodium content.)