Description
- Personal care : The saponification of fats with KOH is used to prepare the corresponding "potassium soaps", which are softer than the more common sodium hydroxide-derived soaps Chemical intermediates : Potassium hydroxide is a highly caustic alkali, soluble in water and is commonly used as a strong base in (organic) chemical synthesis. Pharmaceutical industry : Pharmaceutical application of KOH is commonly in preparation of the drugs for treating high blood uric acid. Food applications : In food products, potassium hydroxide acts as a food thickener, pH control agent and food stabilizer. It is known in the E number system as E525. Electronics : potassium hydroxide is employed as the electrolyte in alkaline batteries based on nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, and manganese dioxide-zinc. Potassium hydroxide is preferred over sodium hydroxide because its solutions are more conductive.
Potassium hydroxide, also known as lye is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula KOH. Also commonly referred to as caustic potash, it is a potent base that is marketed in several forms including pellets, flakes, and powders. It is used in various chemical, industrial and manufacturing applications.
