POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE FLAKES, KOH, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula KOH, and is commonly referred to as caustic potash.
Together with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), this colorless solid is a strong base. The compound has many industrial and niche applications, most of which take advantage of its corrosivity and reactivity to acids. An estimated 700,000 to 800,000 tonnes were produced in 2005. About 100 times more NaOH than KOH is produced annually. [10] KOH is important as a precursor in the manufacture of the softest and most liquid soaps and various chemicals that contain potassium.
Use
KOH and NaOH can be used interchangeably for a number of applications, although in industry, NaOH is preferred because of its lower cost.
Precursors to other potassium compounds
Many potassium salts are made by neutralization reactions involving KOH. Potassium salts of carbonates, cyanides, permanganates, phosphates, and various silicates are prepared by treating either their oxides or acids with KOH. [10] High solubility of potassium phosphate is expected in fertilizers.
Making biodiesel
Although more expensive than using sodium hydroxide, KOH does well in making biodiesel by transesterification of triglycerides in vegetable oil. Glycerin from potassium hydroxide-processed biodiesel is useful as an inexpensive food supplement for livestock, once the toxic methanol has been removed. [15]
Soap making
Saponification of fat with KOH is used to prepare a suitable "potassium soap", which is gentler than regular soaps - derived from sodium hydroxide. Due to their greater softness and solubility, potassium soaps require less water to dilute, and can thus contain more cleaning agents than liquid sodium soap. [16]
SPECIAL CHEMICALS