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E525 Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the formula KOH, and is commonly called caustic potash.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is a prototypical strong base.
E525 Potassium hydroxide has many industrial and niche applications, most of which utilize its caustic nature and its reactivity toward acids.
CAS Number: 1310-58-3
Molecular Formula: KOH
Molecular Weight: 56.11
EINECS Number: 215-181-3
Synonyms: POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, 1310-58-3, caustic potash, potash lye, potassium hydrate, hydroxyde de potassium, potassa, potasse caustique, potassium hydroxide KOH, caustic potash, Kali causticum, Caswell No. 693, Cyantek CC 723, Kaliumhydroxid, CCRIS 6569, Potassio idrossido di, potassium hydroxide WZH3C48M4T, EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 075602, INS NO.525, INS-525, DTXSID5029633, E-525, CHEBI:32035, Kaliumhydroxyde, RefChem:6672, MIRACLE WATER 3 in 1, DTXCID209633, 215-181-3, potassium hydroxide, MFCD00003553, potassium hydroxide pellets, potassium hydroxide flake, potassium hydroxide ~85%, KOH, potassiumhydroxide, potasse caustique French, potassium hydroxide JAN, potassium hydroxide semiconductor grade, HSDB 1234, EINECS 215-181-3, UN1813, UN1814, UNII-WZH3C48M4T, base number standard KOH in hydrocarbon oil, acid number standard KOH reference materials, potassium hydroxide 11M, 0.1M potassium hydroxide, 0.5M potassium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide solid, SCHEMBL135, potassium hydroxide EC 215-181-3, potassium hydroxide flakes, potassium hydroxide anhydrous, potassium hydroxide powder, KALI CAUSTICUM HPUS, potassium hydroxide pellets, potassium hydroxide on alumina, CHEMBL2103983, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE II, MI, FCC, HSDB, VANDF, MART, WHO-DD, JP18 NF, potassium hydroxide pellets ACS reagent, potassium hydroxide solution alcoholic, AKOS015904616, DB11153, FP34861, potassium hydroxide AR flakes >=85%, potassium hydroxide LR flakes >=85%, potassium hydroxide technical grade, potassium hydroxide JIS special grade, potassium hydroxide ROTI Volum 0.1N, potassium hydroxide solid UN1813 corrosive, potassium hydroxide trace metals grade, potassium hydroxide puriss p.a., potassium hydroxide semiconductor grade PURANAL, potassium hydroxide volumetric solution 0.1N, potassium hydroxide USP solution 1N, Reagecon potassium hydroxide alcoholic standards, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE STANDARD;POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE;POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE ETHANOLIC;hydroxydedepotassium(solide);hydroxydedepotassium(solutions);Kaliumhydroxyde;Potassa;Potasse caustique
E525 Potassium hydroxide is noteworthy as the precursor to most soft and liquid soaps, as well as numerous potassium-containing chemicals.
It is a white solid that is dangerously corrosive.
E525 Potassium hydroxide, also known as caustic potash or KOH, is a strong inorganic alkaline compound (base) that is closely related to sodium hydroxide (E524) but contains potassium instead of sodium, and it is widely used in chemical manufacturing, industrial processing, and pH regulation because of its very high alkalinity and strong ability to react with acids, fats, and organic materials.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is considered one of the most important industrial bases in modern chemical production systems.
This improves industrial chemical reactivity and process control.
E525 Potassium hydroxide consists of potassium ions (K⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻), and when dissolved in water it fully dissociates to form a strongly alkaline solution that can rapidly neutralize acids and initiate hydrolysis and saponification reactions, especially with fats and oils.
E525 Potassium hydroxide complete dissociation makes it highly reactive and effective in many industrial applications.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves its strength as a base in chemical processes.
E525 Potassium hydroxide appears as a white solid in flakes, pellets, or small lumps, and it is highly hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air, while also releasing heat when dissolved in water, which makes careful handling necessary to avoid splashing or thermal burns.
Its storage and handling requirements are similar to other strong alkalis.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves reactivity but requires strict safety control.
E525 Potassium hydroxide functions as a strong acidity regulator and chemical processing agent, where it is used to neutralize acids, adjust pH levels, and support controlled chemical reactions in industrial systems, including manufacturing, cleaning, and synthesis processes.
Its strong alkaline nature makes it essential for precise chemical control.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves process stability and reaction efficiency.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is also used in saponification reactions, where it reacts with fats and oils to produce potassium-based soaps, which are often softer and more soluble in water compared to sodium-based soaps.
This reaction is a key part of liquid soap and soft soap production.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves cleaning product formulation diversity.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is best described as a highly reactive, strongly alkaline industrial base used for pH control, chemical synthesis, soap production, and industrial processing due to its ability to rapidly neutralize acids and break down organic materials in controlled chemical systems.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is highly basic, forming strongly alkaline solutions in water and other polar solvents.
These solutions are capable of deprotonating many acids, even weak ones.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is used to make soft soap, in scrubbing and cleaning operations, as a mordant for woods, in dyes and colorants, and for absorbing carbon dioxide.
Other principle uses of caustic potash are in the preparation of several potassium salts, acid-base titrations, and in orgainic sytheses.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is the European food additive code for potassium hydroxide, a highly alkaline inorganic compound often called caustic potash.
In the food industry, it primarily acts as an acidity regulator, pH stabilizer, and thickener.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is a strong base and is incompatible with any compound that readily undergoes hydrolysis or oxidation.
Violent reaction with acids, alcohols, water, metals (when wet), halogenated hydrocarbons; maleic anhydride.
Heat is generated if KOH comes in contact with water and carbon dioxide from the air.
E525 Potassium hydroxide should not be stored in glass or aluminum containers, Corrosive to zinc, aluminum, tin and lead in the presence of moisture releasing combustible/explosive hydrogen gas.
Can absorb water from air and give off sufficient heat to ignite surrounding combustible materials.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is also widely used in industrial pH fine-tuning systems, where its strong alkalinity allows extremely precise adjustment of reaction conditions in chemical reactors, wastewater lines, and production pipelines, especially in processes where even small pH changes can significantly affect yield, purity, or stability of the final product.
Because it reacts quickly and completely in water, it is often added in very controlled, diluted doses rather than bulk addition in sensitive systems.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves chemical process accuracy and operational control.
In specialty soap and cosmetic-grade surfactant production, E525 Potassium hydroxide is preferred over sodium hydroxide when a softer, more soluble soap is required, because potassium salts of fatty acids form gels or liquid soaps that dissolve easily in water and create smoother textures that are widely used in shaving creams, liquid cleansers, and mild detergent formulations.
This makes it essential in premium liquid hygiene product manufacturing.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves product texture and formulation versatility.
In industrial biodiesel optimization systems, E525 Potassium hydroxide is sometimes chosen instead of sodium hydroxide because it can produce faster reaction rates in certain feedstocks and may generate glycerol byproducts that are easier to separate under specific industrial conditions, especially when dealing with high free-fatty-acid oils that require carefully balanced catalytic environments.
Melting point: 361 °C (lit.)
Boiling point: 1320°C
Density: 1.450 g/mL at 20 °C
Vapor pressure: 1 mm Hg (719 °C)
Refractive index: n20/D 1.421
Flash point: 52 °F
Storage temp.: +5°C to +30°C
Solubility: H2O: 1 M at 20 °C, clear, colorless
Form: powder
Specific Gravity: 1.09
Color: white
Odor: odorless
pH: 10.98 (1 mM); 11.95 (10 mM); 12.88 (100 mM)
Explosive limit: 3.5–15.0% (V) (ethanol)
Water Solubility: soluble
Sensitive: air sensitive & hygroscopic
Merck: 14,7640
Exposure limits: ceiling in air 2 mg/m3 (ACGIH)
Dielectric constant: 3.3 (ambient)
Stability: stable, but very hygroscopic; dissolves exothermically in water; incompatible with many metals, acids, organic materials; absorbs CO₂ from air
Cosmetics Ingredients Functions: BUFFERING
InChI: 1S/K.H2O/h;1H2/q+1;/p-1
InChIKey: KWYUFKZDYYNOTN-UHFFFAOYSA-M
SMILES: [OH-].[K+]
LogP: -1.380 (est)
E525 Potassium hydroxide is widely used in soft soap and liquid soap production, where it reacts with vegetable oils and fats to form potassium soaps that are more soluble in water and produce softer, gel-like cleaning products compared to sodium-based soaps.
This makes it especially important in liquid detergent manufacturing.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves cleaning product flexibility and formulation options.
In fertilizer and agricultural chemical production, E525 Potassium hydroxide is used to produce potassium-based compounds that are important for plant nutrition, especially potassium salts that support growth, enzyme activation, and water regulation in crops.
This is indirectly important in producing agricultural inputs.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves plant nutrient manufacturing systems.
In biodiesel production, E525 Potassium hydroxide acts as a catalyst in transesterification reactions that convert triglycerides in vegetable oils or animal fats into biodiesel and glycerol, similar to sodium hydroxide but sometimes preferred for specific reaction conditions.
This is important in renewable energy production systems.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves biofuel conversion efficiency.
In industrial cleaning systems, E525 Potassium hydroxide is used in heavy-duty degreasers and cleaning formulations because it can break down fats, oils, and protein residues very effectively, making it suitable for cleaning machinery, tanks, and industrial surfaces.
Its strong alkaline nature makes it very effective for deep cleaning applications.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves industrial sanitation and maintenance.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is used as a strong base in the synthesis of potassium salts, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and specialty chemicals, where controlled alkaline conditions are required for reactions such as hydrolysis, neutralization, and substitution.
It is a key reagent in many industrial chemical pathways.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves chemical production versatility.
In battery and electrochemical applications, E525 Potassium hydroxide is used as an electrolyte in alkaline batteries and certain fuel cell systems because it provides high ionic conductivity and stable alkaline conditions for electrochemical reactions.
E525 Potassium hydroxide makes it important in energy storage technologies.
This improves battery performance and electrical efficiency.
In gas absorption and environmental systems, E525 Potassium hydroxide can be used to absorb acidic gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in controlled industrial processes, helping reduce emissions and control air pollution.
This is especially relevant in chemical plants and waste treatment facilities.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves environmental emission control.
In laboratory chemistry, E525 Potassium hydroxide is used as a strong base in titrations, synthesis reactions, and analytical procedures, although it must be carefully standardized because it absorbs carbon dioxide from air, which can slightly change its concentration over time.
This makes it important in precise chemical analysis.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves experimental reliability and accuracy.
E525 Potassium hydroxideis an electrolyte in certain alkaline storage batteries and fuel cells.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is used in neutralization reactions to yield potassium salts.
Aqueous potassium hydroxide is employed as the electrolyte in alkaline batteries based on nickel-cadmium and manganese dioxide-zinc.
E525 Potassium hydroxide solutions are also used as an effective method for cleaning glassware.
E525 Potassium hydroxide works well in the manufacture of biodiesel by catalyzing transesterification of the triglycerides in vegetable oil.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is a solid at room temperature, though it is often sold as a liquid.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is a strong alkaline substance that dissociates completely in water into the potassium ion (K+) and hydroxide ion (OH-).
The dissolution in water generates heat, so a vigorous reaction can occur when potassium hydroxide is added to water.
The vapor pressure of the substance is very low and the melting point is high.
E525 Potassium hydroxide solutions attack aluminium and its alloys under formation of hydrogen gas.
It can be neutralised with acids (e.g. hydrochloric acid) giving the corresponding potassium salts of the acids, which are usually pH neutral and non-corrosive.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is produced commerically by electrolysis of a saturated solution of potassium chloride in brine using mercury cells consisting of a titanium anode and mercury cathode.
E525 Potassium hydroxide reacts with mercury forming the amalgam which, on treatment with water, forms potassium hydroxide and hydrogen.
E525 Potassium hydroxide exhibits high thermal stability.
Because of this high stability and relatively low melting point, it is often melt-cast as pellets or rods, forms that have low surface area and convenient handling properties.
These pellets become tacky in air because KOH is hygroscopic.
Most commercial samples are ca. 90% pure, the remainder being water and carbonates.
E525 Potassium hydroxides dissolution in water is strongly exothermic.
Concentrated aqueous solutions are sometimes called potassium lyes. Even at high temperatures, solid KOH does not dehydrate readily.
In high-purity chemical synthesis, E525 Potassium hydroxide is used when potassium ions are required in the final product or reaction pathway, since potassium-based salts often have different solubility and crystallization behavior compared to sodium equivalents, which can influence yield, purification steps, and final material properties in pharmaceutical and specialty chemical production.
This allows chemists to tailor reaction systems more precisely.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves product specificity and chemical engineering flexibility.
In electrochemical energy systems, E525 Potassium hydroxide is used as a highly conductive electrolyte in alkaline batteries, nickel-metal hydride systems, and certain fuel cell technologies, because its ionic mobility in water is high, enabling efficient electron transfer reactions that support stable energy output and long operational lifetimes under controlled conditions.
E525 Potassium hydroxide makes it a key material in energy storage and conversion technologies.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves electrical conductivity and battery performance.
In industrial degreasing and stripping processes, E525 Potassium hydroxide is used to remove coatings, paint residues, and heavy organic contamination from metal surfaces by breaking down ester bonds, fats, and polymerized organic layers, which allows surfaces to be cleaned or prepared for further coating, welding, or chemical treatment steps.
This is especially important in manufacturing and maintenance industries.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves surface preparation and industrial cleaning efficiency.
In silica and glass processing industries, E525 Potassium hydroxide can participate in reactions that etch or modify silica-containing materials under controlled conditions, allowing surface modification or cleaning of specialized glass components used in electronics, optics, and laboratory equipment.
This requires precise control because of its aggressive reactivity toward silicate structures.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves material processing precision and surface engineering.
In environmental gas treatment systems, E525 Potassium hydroxide is used to absorb acidic gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in scrubbing systems, where it chemically converts these gases into potassium salts, helping reduce emissions from industrial exhaust streams and chemical production facilities.
Uses Of E525 Potassium hydroxide:
E525 Potassium hydroxide has many different functions and uses.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is primarily used as an intermediate in industrial manufacturing processes, such as the manufacture of fertilisers, potassium carbonate or other potassium salts and organic chemicals.
It is also used in the manufacture of detergents and in alkaline batteries.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is a water-soluble food additive and bleaching agent.
E525 Potassium hydroxide upon exposure to air it readily absorbs carbon dioxide and moisture and deliquesces.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is used to destroy the bitter chemical constituents in olives that will be used as black olives.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is used as an emulsifier in lotions and as an alkali in liquid soaps, protective creams, and shaving preparations.
Depending on the concentration used, it can be highly irritating to the skin and/or cause a burning sensation.
It is used in making potassium salts, in electroplatingand lithography, in printing inks, as a mordantfor wood, and finds wide applicationsin organic syntheses and chemical analyses.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is mainly used as a strong base, pH regulator, and industrial chemical reagent because of its ability to rapidly neutralize acids, break down organic materials, and drive a wide range of chemical reactions in manufacturing and processing systems.
In soft soap and liquid soap production, it is used for saponification of fats and oils to produce potassium soaps, which are softer and more soluble than sodium soaps.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves liquid cleaning product manufacturing.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is used to produce potassium salts, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and specialty chemicals through acid-base and hydrolysis reactions.
This improves industrial chemical synthesis.
In biodiesel production, it acts as a catalyst for converting oils and fats into biodiesel and glycerol.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves renewable fuel production efficiency.
In industrial cleaning and degreasing, it is used to remove grease, protein residues, and organic buildup from equipment and surfaces.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves industrial hygiene and maintenance.
In fertilizer and agricultural chemical production, it is used to manufacture potassium-based compounds essential for plant nutrition.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves agricultural input production.
In battery and energy systems, it is used as an electrolyte in alkaline batteries and fuel cells due to its high ionic conductivity.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves energy storage performance.
In gas treatment systems, it is used to neutralize acidic gases in industrial emissions control processes.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves air pollution reduction.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is mainly used as a strong alkali, pH regulator, and industrial chemical reagent because it can rapidly neutralize acids, break down fats and proteins, and drive a wide range of chemical reactions in manufacturing, energy, and processing systems.
In liquid soap and soft soap production, it is used for saponification of oils and fats to produce potassium soaps, which are softer, more soluble, and more suitable for liquid detergents, shaving creams, and mild cleaning products.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves formulation flexibility and product texture in cleaning industries.
In chemical manufacturing, E525 Potassium hydroxide is used to produce potassium salts, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals through neutralization, hydrolysis, and other base-driven reactions.
This makes it a key raw material in industrial synthesis.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves chemical production efficiency and versatility.
In biodiesel production, E525 Potassium hydroxide acts as a catalyst in transesterification reactions that convert vegetable oils or animal fats into biodiesel and glycerol.
This supports renewable fuel production and improves reaction speed under controlled conditions.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves biofuel manufacturing efficiency.
In industrial cleaning and degreasing, it is used to remove grease, oil, protein residues, and organic buildup from machinery, tanks, and metal surfaces.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is especially effective in heavy-duty cleaning and surface preparation processes.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves industrial hygiene and maintenance.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is used as an electrolyte in alkaline batteries and some fuel cell technologies because it provides high ionic conductivity in aqueous solutions.
E525 Potassium hydroxide supports stable electrochemical reactions and energy transfer.
This improves battery performance and energy efficiency.
In fertilizer and agricultural chemical production, E525 Potassium hydroxide is used to manufacture potassium-based compounds that are essential for plant nutrition and soil management.
This contributes indirectly to crop growth and agricultural productivity.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves agricultural input production.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is used to neutralize acidic gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide in industrial emissions control processes.
This helps reduce air pollution and maintain regulatory compliance.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves environmental protection and emission control.
In laboratory chemistry, E525 Potassium hydroxide is used as a strong base in titrations, synthesis reactions, and analytical procedures requiring precise alkaline conditions.
It must be carefully standardized because it absorbs carbon dioxide from air over time.
E525 Potassium hydroxide improves analytical accuracy and experimental control.
Safety Profile Of E525 Potassium hydroxide:
Poison by ingestion an eye irritant and severe human skin irritant.
Very corrosive to the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes mutation data reported.
Ingestion may cause violent pain in throat and epigastrium, hematemesis, collapse.
Stricture of esophagus may result if substance is not immedately fatal.
Above 84' it reacts with reducing sugars to form poisonous carbon monoxide gas, violent, exothermic reaction with water.
E525 Potassium hydroxide is a highly corrosive and strongly hazardous chemical, and it can cause severe tissue damage because of its extremely high alkalinity and rapid ability to break down organic matter through chemical reactions that destroy proteins and fats in living tissues.
It is classified as a dangerous substance requiring strict handling procedures.
E525 Potassium hydroxide requires controlled industrial safety measures.
The most serious hazard is severe chemical burns to skin and eyes, where even small exposures can cause deep tissue damage, irreversible eye injury, or permanent blindness because the compound causes liquefactive corrosion that penetrates tissues quickly.
Eye exposure is considered a medical emergency.
E525 Potassium hydroxide makes direct contact extremely dangerous.
Inhalation of dust or aerosols can cause severe respiratory irritation and airway damage, including coughing, burning sensations, difficulty breathing, and potential long-term respiratory injury if exposure is significant.
This is a major occupational hazard in industrial environments.
E525 Potassium hydroxide requires proper ventilation and respiratory protection.
Ingestion is extremely dangerous and can cause severe burns to the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach, potentially leading to internal bleeding, shock, and life-threatening complications even at relatively low quantities.
Immediate emergency medical treatment is required in all cases.
E525 Potassium hydroxide makes accidental exposure highly critical.
E525 Potassium hydroxide also reacts exothermically with water and acids, releasing significant heat that can cause splattering and secondary thermal burns if not handled correctly during dilution or mixing procedures.
This reaction must always be controlled carefully in industrial settings.
E525 Potassium hydroxide requires strict handling protocols.
