Potassium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid

2KOH + H₂SO₄ → K₂SO₄ + 2H₂O

Overview

Potassium hydroxide reacts with sulfuric acid in a 2:1 ratio to form potassium sulfate and water. This diprotic acid neutralization produces a neutral salt that is one of the most important potassium fertilizers. The reaction is strongly exothermic.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Sulfuric Acid H₂SO₄	1	(aq)
Reactant	Potassium Hydroxide KOH	2	(aq)
Product	Water H₂O	2	(l)

Everyday Example

Potassium sulfate fertilizer, used extensively in agriculture for potassium-sensitive crops like fruits and vegetables, can be made by this neutralization.

Industrial Importance

Potassium sulfate is a premium fertilizer for chloride-sensitive crops. It provides both potassium and sulfur without the chloride content of potassium chloride.

Properties

Type: Double Replacement
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -114.2 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Aluminum Hydroxide and Hydrochloric Acid Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid (White Smoke) Barium Chloride and Sodium Sulfate Precipitation Calcium Carbonate and Hydrochloric Acid Calcium Chloride and Sodium Carbonate Calcium Hydroxide and Carbon Dioxide (Limewater Test) Calcium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid Copper(II) Sulfate and Sodium Hydroxide Iron(III) Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide Lead Nitrate and Potassium Iodide (Golden Rain)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Potassium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid?

The balanced equation is: 2KOH + H₂SO₄ → K₂SO₄ + 2H₂O.

What type of reaction is Potassium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid?

Potassium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid is a double replacement reaction.

Is Potassium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid exothermic or endothermic?

Potassium Hydroxide and Sulfuric Acid is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -114.2 kJ/mol.