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Hydroxides and bases

Potassium hydroxide

Also known as Caustic potash, Potash lye, Potassium hydrate

CAS 1310-58-3Formula HKOMolar mass 56.11 g/molEC 215-181-3
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive, Harmful or irritant 706 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Potassium hydroxide chemical structure, HKO, CAS 1310-58-3
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
White or colorless, orthorhombic, deliquescent pieces, lumps, or sticks having crystalli…
Melting point
Ca. 360
Boiling point
1,327 °C
Density
2.044 g/cm³
Solubility
Solubility in water, 121 g/100 g water at 25 °C
HS code
281520
Category
Hydroxides and bases
UN number
UN 1813
Illustrative photo, colourless crystals in an open woven sack in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Potassium hydroxide?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Potassium hydroxide is an alkali metal hydroxide.

Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the formula KOH.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
potassium hydroxide
CAS number
1310-58-3 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
215-181-3
Molecular formula
HKO
UNII
WZH3C48M4T
MDL number
MFCD00003553
INCI name
POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE
InChIKey
KWYUFKZDYYNOTN-UHFFFAOYSA-M
InChI
InChI=1S/K.H2O/h;1H2/q+1;/p-1
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
[OH-].[K+]

Synonyms

  • Caustic potash
  • Potash lye
  • Potassium hydrate
  • Hydroxyde de potassium
  • Potassa
  • Potasse caustique
  • Caustic-potash
  • Kali causticum
  • Cyantek CC 723
  • Potassium hydroxide (K(OH))
  • Kaliumhydroxid
  • Potassio (idrossido di)
  • Potassium (hydroxyde de)
  • INS NO.525
  • Kaliumhydroxyde
  • MIRACLE WATER 3 in 1
  • potassium, hydroxide
  • Potassium hydroxide, pellets
  • Potassium hydroxide, flake
  • Potassium Hydroxide (~85%)
  • KOH
  • potassiumhydroxide
  • Potassium Hydroxide (Semiconductor Grade)
  • Base Number (BN) Standard: 6 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil
  • Aetzkali
Show all 33 synonyms
  • Kalilauge
  • Acid Number (AN) Standard: 0.1 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil
  • Acid Number (AN) Standard: 0.5 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil
  • Acid Number (AN) Standard: 1.0 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil
  • Acid Number (AN) Standard: 1.5 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil
  • Base Number (BN) Standard: 10 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil
  • Base Number (BN) Standard: 15 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil
  • Base Number (BN) Standard: 30 mg KOH/g in Hydrocarbon Oil

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
White or colorless, orthorhombic, deliquescent pieces, lumps, or sticks having crystalline fractureexp.
Odour
Odorlessexp.
Melting point
Ca. 360exp.
Boiling point
1,327 °Cexp.
Density
2.044 g/cm³exp.
Autoignition temperature
Not flammableexp.
Solubility
Solubility in water, 121 g/100 g water at 25 °Cexp.
Vapour pressure
1 MM HG @ 714 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
56.11 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
55.9664 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-3.17calc.
Topological polar surface area
30 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
2calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Components
2calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H302Harmful if swallowed.
  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Precautionary statements (15)
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
  • P301 + P330 + P331If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
  • P302 + P361 + P354If on skin: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P330Rinse mouth.
  • P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1813
Transport hazard class
8
Packing group
II

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Potassium hydroxide suppliers

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All 706 suppliers
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Where suppliers are based

706 suppliers in 62 countries

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Potassium hydroxide price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled.".

Manufacturing liquid soap, mordant for wood, absorbing CO2, mercerizing cotton, print and varnish removers, electroplating, photoengraving and lithography, printing inks, in analytical chemistry for alkalimetric titrations, in organic synthesis.

Read more

Pharmaceutic aid (alkalizer).

Soap manufacture, bleaching, manufacture of potassium carbonate and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, electrolyte in alkaline storage batteries and some fuel cells, absorbent for carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, dyestuffs, liquid fertilizers, food additive, herbicides, electroplating, mercerizing, paint removers, reagent.

Industrial uses: Ion exchange agent, Catalyst, Corrosion inhibitor, Soil amendments (fertilizers), Cleaning agent, Absorbent, Oxidizing agent.

Consumer uses: Solvent, Anti-adhesive/cohesive, Anti-freeze agent, Other, Lubricating agent, Processing aids not otherwise specified, Surfactant (surface active agent), Chemical reaction regulator.

Use classes: Processing Aids and Additives, Safer Chemical Classes, Food additives, Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE(buffering)

Pharmacological actions

  • Indicators and Reagents

Functional uses

  • Anti-caking agent
  • Binder
  • Biocide
  • Catalyst
  • Chelating agent
  • Cleaning agent
  • Oxidizing agent
  • Processing aids not otherwise specified
  • Thickening agent
  • pH regulating agent

Cosmetic functions

  • Buffering

How it is made

Potassium hydroxide is produced industrially by the electrolysis of potassium chloride.

Largely water-free, ca. 90-95% potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) is obtained by evaporating potassium hydroxide solution. The residual content of 5-10% H2O is bound as a monohydrate.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 019-002-00-8

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III, restricted in cosmetics
    Name: POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE / SODIUM HYDROXIDE, Ref no: 15a, Annex ref: III/15a
  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels
  • Food additive

United States

  • Safer Choice ingredient list (USA)
  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Potassium hydroxide is traded under.

HS 2815.20Exact HS code

Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash)

World exports in 2024
$678M
−24.2% vs 2023, imports $811M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. South Korea26.2%
  2. Belgium14.8%
  3. United States14.1%
Top importers
  1. Germany9.2%
  2. Israel7.3%
  3. Netherlands6.2%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Potassium hydroxide is indicative (it was matched by name in the HS nomenclature). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Potassium hydroxide, based on the data on this page

What is Potassium hydroxide?

Potassium hydroxide is an alkali metal hydroxide.

What is the CAS number of Potassium hydroxide?

The CAS registry number of Potassium hydroxide is 1310-58-3.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Potassium hydroxide?

The molecular formula of Potassium hydroxide is HKO and its molar mass is 56.11 g/mol.

What is Potassium hydroxide used for?

The active ingredient is no longer contained in any registered pesticide products ... "cancelled.".

Is Potassium hydroxide hazardous?

Potassium hydroxide carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: harmful if swallowed, causes severe skin burns and eye damage. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Potassium hydroxide?

Potassium hydroxide is usually classified under HS code 281520 (Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash)). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Potassium hydroxide?

CompoundList lists 706 suppliers of Potassium hydroxide in India, United States, China, United Kingdom and 58 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Potassium hydroxide in India?

173 suppliers in India list Potassium hydroxide on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Potassium hydroxide?

Suppliers quote Potassium hydroxide on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Potassium hydroxide

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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