Potassium hydroxide is a common inorganic base with the chemical formula KOH. At room temperature, it appears as a white powder or flaky solid, with strong alkalinity and corrosiveness. The properties of potassium hydroxide are similar to those of sodium hydroxide, and its pH value in a (0.1) mol/L solution is (13.5), indicating strong alkalinity. Potassium hydroxide easily absorbs moisture from the air and undergoes deliquescence, while also reacting with carbon dioxide to produce potassium carbonate. It can dissolve in hot water, cold water, ethanol, and glycerol, but only slightly soluble in ether. When potassium hydroxide dissolves in water, alcohol, or reacts with acid, it releases a large amount of heat.
Potassium hydroxide has a wide range of applications in various fields. In the electroplating industry, potassium hydroxide is used as an etchant and alkalizing agent for rust removal and degreasing of metal surfaces; In carving and lithography, potassium hydroxide solution can dissolve cellulose, thereby achieving carving and shaping of wood and paper. Meanwhile, potassium hydroxide is also an important raw material for the production of potassium salts, such as potassium permanganate, potassium carbonate, etc. In the pharmaceutical industry, potassium hydroxide plays a crucial role as an important intermediate in the synthesis of certain drugs such as potassium borohydride, spironolactone, saxaglycone, testosterone propionate, progesterone, and vanillin.
In the field of light industry, potassium hydroxide is used to manufacture potassium soap, alkaline batteries, as well as products such as cold cream, snow cream, and shampoo in cosmetics. In addition, in the dye industry, potassium hydroxide is indispensable as a synthetic raw material for reducing dyes, such as reducing blue RSN, in the manufacturing process of important dyes. Potassium hydroxide is also commonly used as a laboratory analytical reagent, saponification reaction reagent, and gas absorbent to absorb impurity gases such as carbon dioxide and water vapor.
In the textile industry, potassium hydroxide plays multiple roles: it is used as a printing and dyeing auxiliary, which can improve the water solubility of dyes and adjust the pH value of dyeing baths; In the bleaching process, potassium hydroxide can destroy pigment molecules and achieve the bleaching effect of cellulose; During silk polishing treatment, potassium hydroxide solution can increase the glossiness and elasticity of cotton and other fibers. In addition, potassium hydroxide is also an important component in the production of key raw materials such as synthetic fibers and polyester fibers, and is used in the synthesis of melamine dyes.
Potassium hydroxide is also used as a heating agent in the metallurgical industry to promote metallurgical reactions; In leather processing, potassium hydroxide is used as a degreaser to help remove oil and impurities from the surface of leather, improving its softness and stability. In short, potassium hydroxide plays an indispensable role in multiple industrial fields due to its strong alkalinity and corrosiveness.
