Potassium hydroxide . Known as caustic potash. It is an inorganic chemical compound of the formula KOH, both it and sodium hydroxide NaOH, are strong bases in common use. It has a lot of uses such as industrial as comercial uses. Most applications exploit acid reactivity and natural corrosivity. Potassium hydroxide production in 2005 is estimated at 700,000 to 800,000 tons (about one hundred times more are produced from NaOH).
Summary
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- 1 KOH
- 1 Product identification
- 2 Physico-chemical properties
- 2 Obtaining
- 3 Structure
- 4 Applications
- 5 Precautions
- 6 Effect on health
- 1 First Aid
- 2 Home treatment
- 3 Before calling the emergency service
- 4 Require medical assistance
- 5 Fire fighting measures.
- 6 Accidental release measures
- 7 Handling and Storage
- 1 Individual protection
- 8 Sources
KOH
The potassium hydroxide should be kept tightly capped; absorbs water and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere , soluble in water , alcohol and glycerin .
Product identification
- Chemical name: Potassium Hydroxide
- Synonyms: Caustic potash
- Potassium hydroxide: CAS #: 1310-58-3
- Formula: KOH
Physico-chemical properties
The substance is a strong base, reacts violently with acids, and is corrosive in wet environments to metals such as zinc , aluminum , tin, and lead causing hydrogen (combustible and explosive gas). It quickly absorbs carbon dioxide and water from the air . Contact with moisture or water can generate heat release.
- Conditions to avoid: ‘Contact with moisture or water.
- Materials to avoid: Acids , zinc, aluminum, tin, lead, humidity and water.
- Decomposition products: Not applicable.
- Polymerization: Not applicable.
Obtaining
By electrolysis of a concentrated solution of potassium chloride.
Structure
KOH is hygroscopic by absorbing water from the atmosphere, so it ends up dissolving outdoors. Therefore, potassium hydroxide contains varying amounts of water (as well as carbonates, see below). Its dissolution in water is highly exothermic, with which the temperature of the solution increases, sometimes even reaching the boiling point. Its molecular mass is 56.
The word caustic (from the Greekκαυστικός, to burn) has several meanings:
- In chemistry, a Product is said to be caustic when it burns organic tissues. These products can be either acidic or base, organic or inorganic. Alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and hydroxides are typically caustic.
Some examples are sodium hydroxide (soda or caustic soda), potassium hydroxide (caustic potash), and silver nitrate.
- In optics, a surface is said to be caustic when it is tangent to rays that are reflected or refracted by an optical system.
Applications
Manufacture of soap, bleaching, preparation of oxalic acid and potassium salts, medicine, etched matches, absorbent of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide.
KOH is especially significant for being the precursor to most liquid and mild soaps, as well as being present in numerous chemical compounds that contain potassium.
The saponification of fats with KOH is used to prepare the corresponding “potassium soaps”, which are milder than soaps derived from sodium hydroxide. Due to their smoothness and higher solubility, potassium soaps require less water to liquefy, and therefore may contain a greater amount of cleaning agent than sodium-based liquefied soaps.
Cautions
Very toxic by ingestion and inhalation. Its handling must be carried out with the highest safety standards, gloves, face shield, etc.
Effect on health
Hazards Identification
Flammable. Harmful by inhalation, ingestion and in contact with the skin it causes severe burns, in contact with the eyes it is very corrosive.
First aid
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. If the patient is conscious, give the desired water or milk to drink.
If the patient is unconscious, do not induce vomiting and keep in a lateral safety position.
Symptoms from ingestion of potassium hydroxide include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath due to obstruction due to inflammation of the throat
- Burns to the mouth and throat
- Collapse
- Diarrhea
- Severe pain in the mouth
- Rapid drop in blood pressure
- Severe sore throat
Symptoms from contact of potassium hydroxide with the skin or eyes include:
- Burning
- Intense pain
- Sight loss
Home treatment
- Vomiting should not be induced in the person unless directed to do so by the doctor or the staff of the Poison Control Center (poison control center) and immediate medical assistance should be sought.
- If the chemical came into contact with the skin or eyes, it should be rinsed with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
- If the person swallowed the chemical, they should be given water or milk immediately, unless the doctor has given other instructions.
- If the person inhaled the poison, they should be moved immediately to a place where they can get fresh air.
Before calling the emergency service
The following information must be determined:
- Age, weight and condition of the patient
- Name of the product, with its ingredients and concentration, if known
- Time the product was ingested or contacted
- Quantity of the product ingested or with which it had contact
Require medical assistance
- Inhalation: Move the victim to a ventilated place. Keep at rest and warm.
Apply artificial respiration in case of respiratory failure. Request medical assistance.
- Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Wash the affected area with plenty of water.
Require medical assistance in case of persistent irritation.
- Eye contact: Wash with plenty of water for 15 minutes, keeping the eyelids open.
See an ophthalmologist in case of persistent irritation.
Fire fighting measures.
Special protective equipment for fire fighting: Common chemical fire fighting equipment.
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
Accidental release measures
Individual precautions
- Environmental protection precautions: Prevent the product from entering water channels and the sewer system.
- Cleaning methods: Collect the product with mechanical means. Place the product to be eliminated in closed and properly labeled containers.
Wash the remains with plenty of water.
Manipulation and storage
- Handling: Avoid dust formation. Do not smoke, eat or drink during handling.
Seek adequate personal hygiene after handling.
- Storage: Keep in closed containers away from moisture and heat.
Individual protection
Exposure limit values: TLV-TWA = 2 mg / m3.
- Respiratory protection: Respiratory protection.
- Hand protection: Protective gloves (neoprene, nitrile, Pvc)
- Eye protection: Safety glasses against chemical splashes.
- Skin protection: Use suitable work clothes that avoid product contact.
