Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)
Liquid 45%, flake, and pellet — preferred for liquid soap, biodiesel, alkaline batteries, and potassium-specific chemical synthesis.
Product Overview
Potassium hydroxide (KOH), also known as caustic potash, is a strong inorganic base closely related to sodium hydroxide. It is produced by the electrolysis of potassium chloride brine and is valued for applications where potassium-specific chemistry is required or where higher solubility is advantageous.
Texas-Chem supplies KOH as liquid 45% solution and as solid flake and pellet forms. The liquid form is preferred for large-scale industrial use, while solid forms are used where dry handling or concentrated potassium is required.
Common Applications
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 1310-58-3 |
| Molecular Formula | KOH |
| Molecular Weight | 56.11 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear liquid (45%) or white solid (flake/pellet) |
| Concentration Available | Liquid 45%, Flake, Pellet |
| pH (1% solution) | 13.5 |
| Melting Point (solid) | 360°C (680°F) |
| Specific Gravity (45% solution) | 1.46 |
| Grade | Industrial |
| Packaging | Drums, Totes, Bulk tanker |
Safety & Documentation
Potassium hydroxide is a corrosive strong base. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Handle with chemical-resistant gloves, face shield, and protective clothing. Review SDS before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is potassium hydroxide used for?
KOH is used to produce liquid soaps and detergents, as a catalyst in biodiesel production, as the electrolyte in alkaline batteries, in specialty fertilizer formulations, and in chemical synthesis where potassium-specific chemistry is required.
Why use KOH instead of NaOH for soap making?
KOH produces soft or liquid soaps because potassium salts of fatty acids are more soluble in water than sodium salts. NaOH produces hard bar soaps. Liquid hand soaps, shampoos, and industrial liquid cleaners are typically made with KOH.
What concentration does Texas-Chem supply?
Texas-Chem supplies potassium hydroxide as liquid 45% solution, as well as flake and pellet solid forms. Contact us for specific concentration or purity requirements.
Is potassium hydroxide more expensive than sodium hydroxide?
Yes. KOH typically costs 2-3x more than NaOH on a per-pound basis due to the higher cost of potassium feedstocks. It is used when potassium-specific chemistry is required or when the higher solubility of potassium salts is needed.
Packaging Options
Key Properties
Delivery Info
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) vs. Alternatives
Potassium hydroxide is preferred over sodium hydroxide in applications requiring high solubility or potassium-specific chemistry. Here's how they compare.
| Attribute | Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) | Sodium Hydroxide | Sodium Carbonate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 56.1 g/mol | 40.0 g/mol | 106.0 g/mol |
| Solubility (water) | 121 g/100 mL | 111 g/100 mL | 21.5 g/100 mL |
| Form Available | Liquid (45%), Flake, Pellet | Liquid (50%), Flake, Bead | Powder, Dense |
| Primary Use | Liquid soap, biodiesel, batteries, fertilizers | Paper, water treatment, chemical synthesis | Glass, detergents, water softening |
| Relative Cost | Moderate — 2–3x NaOH | Low — commodity | Low — commodity |
Industries We Supply Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) To
Soap & Detergent Manufacturing
KOH produces soft or liquid soaps, while NaOH produces bar soaps. Preferred by liquid hand soap, shampoo, and industrial cleaner formulators.
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) supply in Houston, TXBiodiesel Production
Used as a catalyst in the transesterification of vegetable oils and animal fats to produce biodiesel fuel.
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) supply in Dallas, TXBattery & Energy Storage
Potassium hydroxide solution is the electrolyte in alkaline batteries, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride rechargeable cells.
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) supply in Fort Worth, TXAgricultural Fertilizers
Potassium hydroxide is a source of potassium in specialty liquid fertilizer formulations for high-value crops.
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) supply in San Antonio, TX