In this article, we will get acquainted with potassium hydroxide in chemical laboratories.Potassium hydroxide is a very important inorganic base and it is also called caustic potash or we also call it pot pot. It is a white solid that is very dangerous and corrosive. Many commercial samples are 90% pure, the rest are carbonates and water. It has the formula “KOH”. This solid, along with sodium hydroxide, which is NaOH, is a strong prototype base and is also colorless. In addition, it has several industrial applications, most of which are used for their caustic properties and reaction with acids.
Potassium hydroxide is available in various forms and grades, including pellet potassium hydroxide, technical flex, aqueous solution. Its form and grade are available for different laboratory needs. Most applications of potassium hydroxide in chemical laboratories benefit from its reactivity to acids. Because it is so basic, potassium hydroxide forms strong alkaline solutions in certain polar solvents and in water.
Potassium hydroxide is used in chemistry laboratories as a titer in volume analysis. The solution is a laboratory reagent containing 512.6 grams of KOH per 1 liter of solvent. Its nature is very acidic and it is very corrosive when used.Preparation of salts: It is highly alkaline. Potassium hydroxide reacts with many acids.In addition, this base acid reaction is used to produce potassium salts. These salts, in turn, have a number of different uses.Neutralization of acids: As an alkali, we use potassium hydroxide to neutralize the acidity and adjust the pH of the solutions. In addition, in chemical analysis, this is an important and valuable factor for the titration of acids to determine their concentration.Soap Production: The process of reacting potassium hydroxide with oils and fats under heating conditions is a process we call soapmaking. In addition, this reaction is useful for the production of potassium soaps.Soap made with potassium hydroxide is softer and more soluble than soaps made from sodium hydroxide this is a Applications of potassium hydroxide.
Potassium hydroxide is available as clear pellets. They do not stick to the air because KOH is a humidifier. As a result, KOH is usually composed of different amounts of water, namely H2O.In addition, its dissolution in water (H2O) is highly exothermic. Along with this, concentrated aqueous solutions are often referred to as potassium lysates.Even at extreme temperatures, solid potassium hydroxide does not dehydrate easily.
At hot temperatures, solid KOH crystallizes in the crystalline structure of NaCl. The OH group is disrupted either accidentally or rapidly. The OH- group is actually a round anion with a radius of 1.53 A and a size between Cl and F.However, at room temperature, the OH- group occurs and the environment around the K + centers is distorted. The distance K + _OH-, which ranges from 2.69 to 3.15 ° C, depends on the orientation of the OH group.KOH produces a number of crystalline hydrates. That is, KOH monohydrate. H2O, dehydrated KOH, 2 H2O and KOH 4H2O tetrahydrate.
The chemical formula of the element is potassium hydroxide KOH. In addition, the molar mass of potassium hydroxide is 56.11 g / mol. The structure of KOH contains an ionic bond located between the potassium metal cation and the hydroxyl anion.Solid KOH is present in a rhombohedral crystal structure. This structure is very similar to sodium chloride.Preparation and purification of potassium hydroxideFirstly, the industrial preparation of KOH is similar to NaOH.Its preparation involves the electrolysis of potassium chloride solutions.
A strong corrosive substance that in contact with aluminum, zinc and other non-ferrous metals may release potentially explosive hydrogen gas. Acute exposure to the eye causes severe irritation and irritation. Blurred vision may occur. Skin contact may cause irritation and burns. Inhalation of powder or dust causes coughing and irritation. Prolonged exposure causes irritation of the respiratory epithelium. Swallowing causes burns in the mouth, esophagus and stomach with local pain.
With acids, organic matter, zinc, aluminum and some other non-ferrous metals, it releases hydrogen gas and is prone to explosion.
Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place away from incompatible materials. Suitable materials for storage are mild steel, stainless steel, nickel, epoxy rubber coating and PVC.