KOH

potassium hydroxide
ionic bond between the potassium metal cation and the hydroxyl anion
electron configuration of K : 2-8-8-1

Ball Stick model Chemical Stucture Lewis Stucture

H K+ [K]+ [ O H]-
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O- ••

• white solid with a density of 2.12 g/mL

• melting point of 360 °C
Physical • boiling point of 1,327 °C
Properties • typically available as translucent pellets, or as aqueous
solutions of different concentrations

• highly hygroscopic solid which absorbs water from air

• very stable thermally
Chemical • readily reacts with acids to form a variety of potassium
Properties salts
• dissolves in water to form strongly alkaline, aqueous
KOH solutions called potassium lye

• aqueous KOH is used as the electrolyte in alkaline

batteries
• manufacture soft soaps and liquid soaps by saponifica-
tion
Usage
• industrially useful potassium salts are prepared by
reaction with KOH
• chemical manufacturing, fertilizer production, petrole-
um refining, and cleaning solutions.

• strong and corrosive base, which can penetrate skin and

tissues
Safety Hazards • can cause burns, severe irritation, and even blindness
• inhalation can damage the mucous membranes and
lungs