Potassium hydroxide. Getting, using, properties

Potassium hydroxide is also called caustic potash, potash caustic, potassium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and also potassium alkali. In Latin, the name KOH sounds like Potassium hydroxide. By its external data and physical characteristics, this substance represents crystals without color with a high degree of hygroscopicity. In aqueous solutions, KOH exhibits a strong alkaline reaction. By carrying out the reaction of diaphragm electrolysis of a solution of potassium chloride, it is produced. Potassium hydroxide, thanks to its unique properties, has found wide application in the most diverse spheres of human life.

For sale KOH comes in the form of massive blocks, a substance like flakes, as well as in granules, small pieces or 40-50% solutions. Because of the increased cost, chemical compounds that have potassium in their composition are not as common as sodium-containing ones. The price issue was the reason that they are used in cases when the need for physical and chemical properties does not provide sodium-containing substances.

Being completely safe, non-flammable and absolutely resistant to light inflammation, potassium hydroxide on the impact on the human body belongs to compounds of the second class. Danger causes the ingestion of caustic material on the mucous membranes and even on the skin of a person. This can lead to severe chemical burns and chronic skin diseases. The danger of getting the substance in the eyes is particularly dangerous.

Industrial filling of the potassium hydroxide solution occurs by pouring into steel drums or special containers of 100, 200 or 275 liters. In solid form for pure potassium hydroxide use dry dry drums at 50-180 dm. Cubic. For product of scaly type, it is allowed to use containers with polyethylene liners, as well as polyethylene bags.

In the Russian chemical industry, the technical potassium hydroxide satisfies the requirements of GOST 9285-78, for a chemically pure product, GOST 24363-80 is provided. From abroad, KOH comes in strict compliance with CAS 1310-58-3.

A chemical neutralization reaction in which sulfuric acid reacts, potassium hydroxide to produce salt and water is known to everyone from the school's bench. But there are other unique properties of KOH, which have found a wide field of application for this substance. It is used, except for neutralizing acids, also in alkaline batteries, in the catalysis, the production of detergents, drilling fluids, dyes, fertilizers.

Without the use of potassium hydroxide, the food industry, gas purification, metallurgy, oil refining, and pharmaceuticals are no longer sufficient. It is used in the manufacture of a wide variety of organic and inorganic substances, paper, pesticides, potassium carbonate, potassium compounds, soap, synthetic rubber.

One of the most important areas of use of potassium hydroxide is the production of soft soap. Detergents, shampoos, shaving creams, bleaches are produced using KOH. Another important area of application of this substance is the production of an in-demand potassium salt set .

In the production of potassium permanganate, the process of fusing caustic potash with manganese dioxide is incorporated and subsequent oxidation of the obtained potassium manganate in the electrolysis cell. To produce potassium dichromate , a method similar to that described above can be used. But more often it is made by fusing finely ground chrome ore with hydroxide (alternative - carbonate) of potassium, followed by exposure to acid to the resulting chromate.

Using KOH with caustic soda, you can achieve significant results in the production of a wide range of dyes, as well as a set of organic compounds. It perfectly manifests itself as an adsorbent of gases, an agent for dehydration, a substance provoking the precipitation of insoluble hydroxides, an electrolyte in alkaline batteries .

And this is only a short list of the description of the technological processes in which KOH is used.