Potassium hydroxide

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Potassium Hydroxide (also known as caustic potash or KOH) is an inorganic compound that is a strong alkali, similar to sodium hydroxide (NaOH). It is a white solid that is highly corrosive and is used in various industrial applications.

Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]

Potassium hydroxide is an ionic compound consisting of potassium ions (K+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). It is a strong base, meaning it readily accepts protons from acids. When dissolved in water, it forms a solution of potassium ions and hydroxide ions, which is highly alkaline.

Physical Properties[edit | edit source]

Potassium hydroxide is a white solid at room temperature. It is highly soluble in water, with the dissolution process being highly exothermic, releasing a significant amount of heat.

Production[edit | edit source]

Potassium hydroxide is typically produced industrially by the electrolysis of a solution of potassium chloride. This process also produces chlorine gas, which can be collected and used in other industrial processes.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Potassium hydroxide has a wide range of uses in various industries. It is used in the production of soap, as a pH regulator in agriculture, in the production of biodiesel, and in the manufacture of alkaline batteries.

Safety[edit | edit source]

Due to its corrosive nature, potassium hydroxide can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with skin or eyes. It is also harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Therefore, appropriate safety measures should be taken when handling this chemical.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Chemistry icon li.svg
This article is a stub related to chemistry. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP1 injections from $125

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program NYC and a clinic to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our W8MD's physician supervised medical weight loss centers in NYC provides expert medical guidance, and offers telemedicine options for convenience.

Why choose W8MD?

Book Your Appointment

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss, and Philadelphia medical weight loss Call (718)946-5500 for NY and 215 676 2334 for PA

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's NYC physician weight loss.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available. Call 718 946 5500.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD