Potassium Hydroxide CAS 1310-58-3: From Physicochemical Properties to Industrial Applications
Release time: 2026-09-15
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Basic Overview of the Compound
In the realm of foundational industrial chemicals, few inorganic compounds hold as much strategic importance as caustic potash. Recognized globally by its chemical registry, CAS 1310-58-3, this highly versatile and reactive alkali is a cornerstone in numerous B2B manufacturing sectors ranging from advanced agriculture to semiconductor fabrication. While Potassium Hydroxide is frequently compared to its sodium-based counterpart, it possesses distinct molecular characteristics that render it irreplaceable in specific, high-value applications.
Caustic potash is commercially available in several forms, most notably as solid white flakes, pellets, or briquettes, as well as in concentrated aqueous solutions (typically 45% to 50% by weight). The production of this compound is predominantly executed through the electrolysis of potassium chloride (KCl) brine. Historically, this was achieved using mercury cells, but modern environmental standards have driven the industry toward highly efficient and ecologically safer membrane cell technology. During this electrolytic process, chlorine gas is generated at the anode, while the highly alkaline KOH solution and hydrogen gas are formed at the cathode.
The commercial viability of this chemical is heavily dependent on its purity grades. Industrial-grade variants are sufficient for agricultural and detergent applications, whereas the electronics and pharmaceutical sectors require ultra-high purity grades with minimal trace metal contamination (such as iron, sodium, and heavy metals). Understanding the foundational parameters of this chemical is the first step for procurement and engineering teams aiming to integrate it into their manufacturing pipelines.
Table 1: Fundamental Physicochemical Specifications
| Propiedad | Value / Description |
| Fórmula química | KOH |
| Molar Mass | 56.1056 g/mol |
| Apariencia | White solid (flakes, pellets, or powder); Colorless liquid in solution |
| Densidad | 2.12 g/cm³ (solid) |
| Punto de fusión | 360 °C (680 °F; 633 K) |
| Punto de ebullición | 1,327 °C (2,421 °F; 1,600 K) |
| Solubility in Water | Highly soluble: 121 g/100 mL (25 °C) |
| Solubility in Alcohols | Soluble in ethanol, methanol, and glycerol; Insoluble in ether |
| Olor | Odorless in solid form |
| pH (0.1M solution) | 13.5 (Highly basic) |
Chemical Properties and Reaction Characteristics
The utility of caustic potash in heavy industry is derived directly from its aggressive chemical reactivity and thermodynamic properties. As a quintessential strong base, it dissociates completely in water to yield potassium ions (K⁺) and hydroxyl ions (OH⁻). This complete dissociation is responsible for its exceptionally high pH and its capacity to act as a powerful caustic agent.
Exothermic Dissolution and Hygroscopicity
One of the most critical handling characteristics of KOH is its intense affinity for water (hygroscopicity). When exposed to ambient air, solid flakes will rapidly absorb moisture, eventually dissolving into a puddle of highly concentrated alkaline solution—a process known as deliquescence. Furthermore, the dissolution of the solid compound into water is a highly exothermic reaction. The enthalpy of solution is significant enough that failing to control the mixing rate can cause the solvent to boil instantaneously, leading to hazardous splashing of corrosive liquids.
Acid Neutralization and Salt Formation
As a strong alkali, the compound reacts vigorously with both organic and inorganic acids in classic neutralization reactions, producing water and the corresponding potassium salts. These reactions are heavily utilized in the chemical synthesis of secondary potassium compounds. Because potassium salts generally exhibit higher aqueous solubility than their sodium equivalents, KOH is the preferred reactant when high-concentration liquid products (such as liquid fertilizers) are desired.
Reactivity with Gases and Non-Metals
Caustic potash serves as a highly efficient scrubbing agent for acidic gases. It reacts rapidly with carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere to form potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) and potassium bicarbonate (KHCO₃). Consequently, storage containers must be hermetically sealed to prevent degradation of the product’s basicity. Additionally, it reacts with sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), making it an invaluable asset in industrial gas purification and emission control systems.
Saponification and Hydrolysis
In organic chemistry, the compound is a premier reagent for base-promoted hydrolysis, particularly saponification. When reacted with triglycerides (fats and oils), it breaks the ester bonds to yield glycerol and potassium salts of fatty acids. The larger atomic radius of the potassium ion, compared to sodium, results in soaps that are highly water-soluble and exhibit a softer, often liquid consistency, which is a critical characteristic for the cosmetics and hygiene industries.
Table 2: Core Chemical Reactions in Industrial Contexts
| Reaction Type | Chemical Equation | Industrial Relevance |
| Neutralization | KOH + HCl → KCl + H₂O | pH control, synthesis of potassium chloride. |
| Carbonation | 2KOH + CO₂ → K₂CO₃ + H₂O | Gas scrubbing, carbon dioxide capture systems. |
| Saponification | RCOOR’ + KOH → RCOOK + R’OH | Production of soft soaps and liquid detergents. |
| Amphoteric Metal Attack | 2KOH + 2Al + 6H₂O → 2K[Al(OH)₄] + 3H₂ | Anisotropic etching in semiconductor manufacturing. |
| Transesterification | KOH (catalyst) + Triglyceride + Methanol → Biodiesel + Glycerol | Renewable energy (Biodiesel) manufacturing. |
Core Industrial Application Areas
The true value of caustic potash lies in its broad spectrum of B2B applications. Procurement managers and industrial chemists select this specific alkali over cheaper alternatives because its unique chemical properties confer distinct advantages to the end products. Below is an in-depth analysis of its primary industrial applications.
1. Advanced Agriculture and Fluid Fertilizers
The agricultural sector represents the largest single consumer of this chemical globally. While solid fertilizers dominate broad-acre farming, high-value crops grown in greenhouses, hydroponic systems, and precision agriculture require liquid fertilizers. KOH is the foundational precursor for manufacturing potassium phosphates (such as mono-potassium phosphate and di-potassium phosphate) and other specialized liquid nutrient blends.
Because potassium is a primary macronutrient essential for plant osmoregulation, enzyme activation, and protein synthesis, its delivery mechanism is critical. Potassium salts derived from this alkali are vastly more soluble than those derived from other sources, allowing for highly concentrated fertilizer solutions that do not clog modern drip irrigation systems (fertigation).
2. Soaps, Detergents, and Personal Care Formulations
In the massive B2B personal care and industrial cleaning markets, the choice of alkali dictates the physical form of the final product. Saponification utilizing sodium-based alkalis yields hard bar soaps. Conversely, utilizing caustic potash yields “soft” soaps and liquid detergents.
The larger potassium ion inherently prevents the tight crystallization of the fatty acid salts, ensuring the product remains in a fluid or gel state. This is indispensable for the production of liquid hand washes, premium shaving creams, and heavy-duty industrial degreasers. Furthermore, potassium-based surfactants exhibit superior solubility in cold water, enhancing the cleaning efficiency of formulations designed for low-temperature washing cycles.
3. Renewable Energy: Biodiesel Production
The transition toward renewable energy has created a surging B2B demand for biodiesel. In the transesterification process—where waste vegetable oils or animal fats are reacted with methanol to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAME)—a strong alkaline catalyst is required to drive the reaction at commercially viable speeds.
While other alkalis can be used, KOH is highly favored by tier-one biodiesel refineries. It dissolves more rapidly in methanol, reducing preparation time and energy expenditure. More importantly, the byproduct of potassium-catalyzed biodiesel production is potassium-rich glycerin. This byproduct can be neutralized and sold directly as an inexpensive, nutrient-rich agricultural supplement, whereas sodium-based glycerin byproducts often require costly disposal or extensive refinement due to soil salinity concerns.
4. Energy Storage: Batteries and Fuel Cells
The compound plays an invisible yet vital role in portable and stationary energy storage technologies. It is the premier electrolyte utilized in alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, etc.), Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd), and Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries.
The aqueous solution of caustic potash exhibits exceptionally high ionic conductivity—significantly higher than competing alkali solutions. This superior conductivity minimizes internal electrical resistance within the battery cell, thereby allowing for higher current discharge rates and improved performance in high-drain electronic devices. Furthermore, the electrolyte demonstrates excellent stability across a wide range of operating temperatures, ensuring battery reliability in extreme environments.
5. Semiconductor Manufacturing and Microelectronics
In the highly exact field of microelectronics and Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS), high-purity electronic grade KOH is a critical process chemical. It is utilized extensively for the wet anisotropic etching of silicon wafers.
Unlike isotropic etchants that remove material equally in all directions, caustic potash etches silicon at dramatically different rates depending on the crystallographic plane. For example, it etches the (100) plane of a silicon crystal structure hundreds of times faster than the (111) plane. This precise, predictable etching behavior allows semiconductor engineers to carve microscopic, three-dimensional structures—such as V-grooves, cantilevers, and diaphragms—directly into the silicon substrate with nanometer-level precision.
6. Chemical Synthesis and Industrial Intermediates
As a fundamental chemical building block, the compound is the primary feedstock for synthesizing a vast array of specialized industrial chemicals. It is reacted to produce potassium carbonate, used in specialty glass manufacturing (e.g., cathode ray tubes and optical lenses) and as a milder buffering agent. It is also the precursor for potassium permanganate (a powerful oxidizing agent used in water treatment), potassium cyanide (essential in gold mining and electroplating), and potassium silicates (used in welding rods and industrial adhesives).
About ZCChem Potassium Hydroxide CAS 1310-58-3
| Parámetro | Especificación |
|---|---|
| Apariencia | Copos, gránulos o polvo blanco |
| Ensayo (Pureza) | ≥ 90,0% |
| Punto de fusión | 360℃ (680℉) |
| Volatilidad | No volátil en condiciones estándar de temperatura y presión. |
| Contenido de ceniza | ≤ 0,1% |
| Solubilidad | Fácilmente soluble en H₂O, etanol y glicerol; insoluble en éter. |
| Estabilidad térmica | Térmicamente estable hasta su punto de ebullición; altamente reactivo a la humedad ambiental. |
Contact for Potassium Hydroxide CAS 1310-58-37 Datasheet
Preguntas frecuentes
From a B2B procurement perspective, why should a manufacturer choose this potassium-based alkali over the vastly cheaper sodium-based alternative?
The choice primarily comes down to the physical properties of the end product and solubility. Potassium ions have a larger atomic radius. In soap making, this results in liquid soaps rather than hard bars. In agriculture, potassium salts are significantly more water-soluble, allowing for the creation of concentrated liquid fertilizers that won’t precipitate and clog irrigation equipment. Finally, in biodiesel production, potassium-catalyzed byproducts can be utilized as fertilizer, whereas sodium byproducts contribute to soil salinity. If the end-product requires high solubility or fluid consistency, the price premium of the potassium variant is economically justified.
What are the primary safety and storage protocols required for handling industrial volumes of this compound?
This is a highly corrosive, strongly alkaline chemical that requires stringent handling protocols. It must be stored in airtight, moisture-proof containers constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), stainless steel, or specifically lined tanks, as it will rapidly corrode aluminum, zinc, and tin. Because it is intensely hygroscopic and reacts with atmospheric CO₂, failing to seal containers will result in product degradation. When diluting the solid form, operators must slowly add the solid to water (never water to the solid) under continuous agitation to safely dissipate the intense exothermic heat generated, preventing explosive boiling. Appropriate PPE, including chemical splash goggles, face shields, and alkali-resistant gloves, is mandatory.
How do the purity requirements differ between agricultural and semiconductor applications?
Purity grades drastically impact both price and application viability. For agricultural fertilizers and industrial detergents, technical or industrial-grade material (typically containing 90% active alkali and trace amounts of chlorides, iron, and sodium) is perfectly adequate and cost-effective. However, semiconductor manufacturing (wet etching) requires ultra-high purity “electronic grade” material. In microelectronics, even parts-per-billion (ppb) contamination of heavy metals or sodium can cause fatal electrical shorts or doping errors in silicon wafers, destroying millions of dollars of microchips. Therefore, electronic grade is subjected to rigorous refinement and cleanroom packaging to eliminate trace impurities.