Potassium Hydroxide Pellets

Characteristics:

Potassium hydroxide pellets are odorless, white, solid hemispheres of uniform diameter and thickness. Their geometry reduces dusting and caking so the product stores and handles better. They are deliquescent and typically contain 10% to 15% water.

Properties:
Chemical formula KOH
Molecular weight 56.11
Absolute density, g/cm3 2.044
Melting point, °C 360
Boiling point, °C 1320
Solubility in water*, g/100g H2O 96 @ 0°C
119 @ 25°C
178 @ 100°C

*Soluble in alcohol, glycerol. Insoluble in ether and acetone.


Specifications:
  Reagent ACS NF / FCC
Assay, % KOH 85.0 minimum 85.0 min to pass test


Maximum limits of impurities:
Potassium carbonate (K2CO3), % 1.0 3.5
Chloride (Cl), % 0.005 --
Nitrogen compounds (as N), % 0.001 --
Phosphates (PO4), ppm 5 --
Sulfate (SO4), % 0.001 --
Ammonium hydroxide precipitate, % 0.02 --
Heavy metals (as Ag), % 0.001 --
Heavy metals (as Pb), % -- 0.003%
Iron (Fe), ppm 5 --
Nickel (Ni), % 0.001 --
Sodium (Na), % 0.05 --
Mercury (Hg), ppm -- 0.1
Insoluble substances, ppm -- To pass test
Lead (Pb) -- 0.001
Copper (Cu), ppm -- --
Aluminum (Al), ppm -- --
Arsenic (As), ppm -- 3


Product Markets & Uses:
Batteries • Alkaline, nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries.
• Fuel cells
Chemicals • Neutralizer and alkalinity control in analytical chemistry.
• Manufacture of potassium carbonate and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate.
• Absorption of NOx, SO3 and CO2 in gas streams.
• Manufacture of high-purity potassium compounds.
Electronics •Etchant in semiconductor wet processing.
Food • pH and alkalinity adjustment.
• Lye peeling of vegetables and fruits.
Pharmaceuticals • pH and alkalinity adjustment.
• Reactant, catalyst and processing aid.
• Softener for epidermis.
Photography • Photoengraving and lithography.
Textiles • Bleaching textiles and mercerizing cotton.


Grades, Forms & Shipping Containers:
Reagent ACS (CODE 115-2118) 110 lb. fiber drum with poly bag liner.
NF / FCC (CODE 115-2117) 110 lb. fiber drum with poly bag liner.

The ACS Reagent and Semiconductor Grades are not for use as a food or drug additive.
Shipping Location ACS, NF / FCC:
  • Marcus Hook, PA
Shipping Regulations:
Hazard Class 8
Label Corrosive
Proper Shipping Name Potassium Hydroxide, Solid
UN Number UN1813
Packing group II


Recommended Shelf Life:

Estimated at 3 years from date of manufacture. Some caking may develop within 1 year.

Safety:

Potassium hydroxide causes severe burns to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Avoid breathing dust containing it and use with adequate ventilation. May be fatal if swallowed. While making Solutions, add slowly with stirring to avoid violent spattering. Wear proper protective equipment when handling, and wash thoroughly after use. As with any chemical, potassium hydroxide requires care in handling. Anyone responsible for the procurement, use or disposal of this product should familiarize himself and those handling the product with the appropriate Safety and handling precautions. This information is available in the Material Safety Data Sheet, which may be obtained by contacting our Customer Service Group

In the event of an emergency with this product, call the 24-hour General Chemical emergency number: (800) 631-8050.




All statements, information, and data given herein are believed to be accurate and reliable but are presented without guaranty, warranty or responsibility of any kind, express or implied. The user should not assume that all safety measures are indicated or that other measures may not be required. All suggestions made herein are intended for use by persona having requisite knowledge and skill, and are to be used at their own risk. General Chemical assumes no responsibility for this information, and potential purchasers waive all claims they may have and agree to indemnify and hold harmless General Chemical from any claims or damages they may later allege relative to their reliance upon these suggestions.