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Potassium hydroxide

IUPAC: potassium hydroxide

KOH Bases & Alkalis CAS 1310-58-3
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationKOH
CAS Number1310-58-3
Molecular Weight56.106
Melting Point680 °F approximately (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Pointgreater than 266 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
Density1.45 to 1.50 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999)
Solubility107 g/100 cc at 59 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearancePotassium hydroxide, solution appears as an clear aqueous solution. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Noncombustible. Used in chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, cleaning compounds.
Also Known As1310-58-3; Caustic potash; Potash lye; Potassium hydrate; Hydroxyde de potassium; Potassa; Potasse caustique; Potassium hydroxide (K(OH)); Caustic-potash; Kali causticum
CategoryBases & Alkalis

What is Potassium hydroxide?

Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a base or alkali that appears as Potassium hydroxide, solution appears as an clear aqueous solution. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Noncombustible. Used in chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, cleaning compounds.. It has a molecular weight of 56.106 g/mol. Boiling point: greater than 266 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999). Melting point: 680 °F approximately (NTP, 1992).

Formula & Notation

KOH

IUPAC Name: potassium hydroxide

Other Names / Synonyms: 1310-58-3; Caustic potash; Potash lye; Potassium hydrate; Hydroxyde de potassium; Potassa; Potasse caustique; Potassium hydroxide (K(OH)); Caustic-potash; Kali causticum

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Potassium hydroxide, solution appears as an clear aqueous solution. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Noncombustible. Used in chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, cleaning compounds.. Molecular formula: HKO. Molecular weight: 56.106 g/mol. Boiling point: greater than 266 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999). Melting point: 680 °F approximately (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.45 to 1.50 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999). Solubility: 107 g/100 cc at 59 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 1 mmHg at 1326 °F ; 5 mmHg at 1497 °F (NTP, 1992).

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point680 °F approximately (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Pointgreater than 266 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
Density1.45 to 1.50 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999)
Molecular Weight56.106
Solubility107 g/100 cc at 59 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearancePotassium hydroxide, solution appears as an clear aqueous solution. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Noncombustible. Used in chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, cleaning compounds.

Uses & Applications

Used in chemical manufacturing, pH adjustment, saponification, water treatment, and as a laboratory reagent.

Safety Information

Corrosive or irritant. Causes burns to skin and eyes. Store away from acids. Wear protective gloves and goggles. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Potassium hydroxide
Formula KOH
CAS Number 1310-58-3
Molecular Weight 56.106
Category Bases & Alkalis
Synonyms 1310-58-3; Caustic potash; Potash lye; Potassium hydrate; Hydroxyde de potassium; Potassa; Potasse caustique; Potassium hydroxide (K(OH)); Caustic-potash; Kali causticum

Frequently Asked Questions

Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is a base or alkali that appears as Potassium hydroxide, solution appears as an clear aqueous solution. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Noncombustible. Used in chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, cleaning compounds.. It has a molecular weight of 56.106 g/mol. Boiling point: greater than 266 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999). Melting point: 680 °F approximately (NTP, 1992).

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.