Potassium hydroxide reacts very quickly with air. Potassium is a member of the first group of the periodic table. It is a soft metal with a white-silver color. Like other alkali metals, it is highly reactive. Therefore, it does not exist in nature in a free state. It reacts easily with many substances, especially water, to form potassium hydroxide (potash burner). In air, the metal reacts very quickly. Due to its high reaction, the metal is placed under a layer of kerosene.
There is little commercial demand for potassium metal. Potassium superoxide (KO 2) is used in respiratory equipment because it releases oxygen and eliminates carbon dioxide and water vapor. Potassium superoxide is yellow and consists of K + and O 2 -. This metal is also used as an ion. It can also be formed by oxidation of potassium amalgam with dry air or oxygen. Sodium alloy reacts highly with water as a heat transfer metal, releasing hydrogen (which ignites) and forming a solution of potassium hydroxide, KOH.
Potassium hydroxide easily absorbs moisture and is used in the manufacture of liquid soaps and detergents and in the preparation of many potassium salts.
Pure potassium hydroxide is difficult to prepare because the compound is so reactive that it tends to react with moisture, carbon dioxide and other impurities it comes in contact with. This compound is commercially available with a purity of about 90%. Potassium hydroxide is a very dangerous chemical. It can cause severe burns to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. If taken, it can cause internal bleeding, tissue ulcers, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hypotension, which can lead to collapse.
In sufficient quantities it can cause death. Inhalation of potassium hydroxide or dust can cause lung irritation, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, and severe lung damage. In contact with the eyes, this compound can cause blurred vision and, if taken in large amounts, cause vision loss. People who have to work with this combination should always wear goggles, gloves and protective clothing to reduce the risk of contact with chemicals this is a Benefits and harms of potassium hydroxide.
Potassium hydroxide KOH is a strong alkali that shows strong basic properties. Accordingly, reactions with potassium hydroxide take place in a fundamental way. It is present as the main raw material for obtaining metal alloy without alloy (electrolysis of a potassium hydroxide alloy is performed according to a summary equation):
4KOH = 4K + O₂ + 2H₂O
Like all other bases, KOH reacts with neutralizing acids to form salts and water:
KOH + HCl = KCl + H2 with hydrochloric acid KOH + HI = KI + H₂O with hydrodeic acid
Salt also forms acidic oxides in the reaction of potassium hydroxide:
2KOH + SO₃ = K₂SO₄ + H₂O Potassium sulfate
2KOH + CO₂ = K₂CO₃ + H₂O
Reaction of potassium hydroxide with air Potassium is very soft and easily cut. The resulting surface is bright and shiny. However, this surface will soon stain due to the reaction with oxygen and humidity. If potassium is burned in air, the main result of the formation of potassium superoxide is KO 2.
K (s) + O 2 (g) → KO 2 (s)
Reaction of potassium hydroxide with water Metallic potassium is a good reducing agent. Reacts easily with many simple ingredients: Reacts with water to form an alkaline potassium hydroxide:
2K + 2H₂O = 2KOH + H₂
Reaction of potassium hydroxide with air is exothermic. Early in the reaction, the potassium metal becomes so hot that it catches fire and is characterized by a pale purple color. The reaction is slower than that of rubidium.