Potassium Hydroxide

KOH

IUPAC: Potassium hydroxide

CAS: 1310-58-3

Overview

Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) is a strong base used in liquid soaps, biodiesel production, and alkaline batteries.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 1 1.0080
Oxygen O 1 15.9990
Potassium K 1 39.0980

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×1
1.8%
O
Oxygen ×1
28.5%
K
Potassium ×1
69.7%

Uses

  • • Liquid soap production
  • • Biodiesel manufacturing
  • • Alkaline batteries
  • • Food processing

Fun Facts

  • ✦ KOH produces soft soaps while NaOH produces hard soaps

Safety

  • ⚠ Highly corrosive
  • ⚠ Causes severe burns

Structure

SMILES

[OH-].[K+]

Properties

Type
base
State
solid
Molar Mass
56.11 g/mol
Density
2.1200 g/cm³
Melting Point
360.0 °C
Boiling Point
1327.0 °C
Solubility
1210 g/L at 25°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
55.9664
TPSA
1.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
1
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
2
Complexity
2.0

Related Compounds

Aluminum Hydroxide

Al(OH)₃

Ammonia

NH₃

Barium Hydroxide

Ba(OH)₂

Calcium Hydroxide

Ca(OH)₂

Lithium Hydroxide

LiOH

Magnesium Hydroxide

Mg(OH)₂

Sodium Hydroxide

NaOH

Sodium Hydroxide Solution

NaOH(aq)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Potassium Hydroxide?
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) is a base compound with the IUPAC name Potassium hydroxide.
What is the molecular weight of Potassium Hydroxide?
Potassium Hydroxide has a molar mass of 56.11 g/mol.
What state is Potassium Hydroxide at room temperature?
Potassium Hydroxide is a solid at room temperature.
Is Potassium Hydroxide organic or inorganic?
Potassium Hydroxide is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Potassium Hydroxide?
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Potassium (K).