Potassium hydroxide (KOH), also known as caustic potash, is a highly alkaline chemical compound with many industrial and household applications such as: Chemical Manufacturing; production of batteries; Food Industry; Biodiesel Production, etc..
Its main properties are:
- Chemical formula: KOH
- Appearance: White solid, usually available in flakes or pellets.
- Alkalinity: Highly caustic and alkaline, with strong basic properties.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water, producing heat and forming a highly alkaline solution.
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Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the formula KOH – the potassium counterpart of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide). It is a deliquescent white solid that dissolves readily in water, releasing heat and forming a strongly alkaline solution. Because it carries potassium rather than sodium, KOH is preferred where potassium is functionally important – most notably soft (liquid) soaps, potassium-based fertilizers and alkaline battery electrolytes. It is also known as caustic potash, potassium hydrate or simply KOH.
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Applications and uses
Soap and detergents (saponification)
Potassium hydroxide is the alkali used to make soft and liquid soaps. Reacting with fats and oils (saponification), KOH produces potassium soaps that are softer and more water-soluble than the sodium soaps made with caustic soda – the basis of liquid hand soaps, shaving soaps and many industrial cleaners.
Biodiesel production
KOH is a common catalyst for the transesterification of vegetable oils and animal fats into biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters). It dissolves quickly in methanol and yields a glycerine by-product that is easier to handle, which is why many producers choose it over sodium hydroxide.
Batteries and electrolyte
Concentrated potassium hydroxide solution is the standard electrolyte in alkaline and nickel-based rechargeable batteries (alkaline, Ni-Cd, Ni-MH) and in many fuel cells, because it conducts ions efficiently and stays stable in an alkaline system.
Food industry (E525)
In food grade form, potassium hydroxide is used as an acidity regulator and stabiliser under the code E525 – for example in cocoa processing, thickeners and the glazing of certain foods. Food applications require a dedicated food-grade quality.
Industrial and chemical manufacturing
KOH is a building block for a wide range of potassium salts (potassium carbonate, potassium phosphates and others) and is used in pH control, cleaning and stripping formulations, electroplating, and as a neutralising agent across chemical processing.
Handling and storage
Potassium hydroxide is corrosive and strongly caustic; it causes severe skin and eye burns and reacts with acids, aluminium, zinc and some other metals. Store it in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from acids, moisture and incompatible metals, as it readily absorbs water and carbon dioxide from the air. Handle with appropriate protective equipment and follow the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full precautions.
iman LTD has traded industrial chemicals since 1994 and today ships to more than 90 countries across six continents – from Bulgaria to Australia, and throughout Europe, Africa and the Americas. We source from well-checked suppliers, guarantee the timing of delivery, quality and packing, and can arrange third-party quality and quantity inspection before shipment. We work on CFR, CIF, DDU, DDP and CIP terms, with a minimum order usually of one full container or 100 MT (LCL available for some products). That combination of experience, reach and export documentation lets buyers source potassium hydroxide from us with confidence.
Request a quote or check current availability for potassium hydroxide (KOH) – call +359 888 804 562, message us on WhatsApp or Viber, or send an inquiry through the contact form. Tell us your grade, quantity and destination market and we will respond promptly.
Frequently asked questions
What is potassium hydroxide (KOH) used for?
It is used to make soft and liquid soaps, as a catalyst in biodiesel production, as the electrolyte in alkaline and nickel batteries, as a food additive (E525), and to manufacture potassium salts and control pH across industry.
What is the difference between potassium hydroxide and caustic soda?
Both are strong alkalis. Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash, KOH) contains potassium and is preferred for liquid/soft soaps, biodiesel and battery electrolytes; caustic soda (sodium hydroxide, NaOH) contains sodium and makes harder bar soaps. They are often interchangeable in industrial cleaning, but not always.
Do you export potassium hydroxide internationally?
Yes. Siman has exported industrial chemicals since 1994 to more than 90 countries on six continents, on CFR, CIF, DDU, DDP or CIP terms, with full export documentation and optional third-party inspection. The minimum order is usually one full container or 100 MT.
Is potassium hydroxide dangerous to handle?
Yes, it is corrosive and causes severe burns. Store it dry and sealed, away from acids and reactive metals, use suitable protective equipment, and always follow the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS).