POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE- ▸ Soap & surfactant manufacture: Saponification base for liquid and potassium soaps
- ▸ Battery production: Alkaline electrolyte
- ▸ Metal finishing: Alkali for electroplating and acid/alkali metal cleaning
- ▸ Semiconductor manufacturing: Wet etchant for silicon
- ▸ Cleaning formulations: Active alkali in industrial cleaners and drain openers
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
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Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.
Potassium hydroxide (CAS 1310-58-3), also called caustic potash, is a strong inorganic base supplied as flake, pellet, or aqueous solution. It is used to manufacture liquid and soft soaps, as an electrolyte in alkaline batteries, and as an etchant and cleaning alkali in electroplating and semiconductor processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the common name for potassium hydroxide?
Potassium hydroxide (CAS 1310-58-3) is commonly called caustic potash. It is a strong inorganic base supplied as flake, pellet, or aqueous solution.
What is potassium hydroxide used for?
It is used to manufacture liquid and soft (potassium) soaps via saponification, as the alkaline electrolyte in batteries, as an etchant and cleaning alkali in electroplating and semiconductor processing, and as the active alkali in industrial cleaners. It is supplied in flake, pellet, or solution form.
Is potassium hydroxide used to make soap?
Yes. Potassium hydroxide is the saponification base for liquid and soft soaps; sodium hydroxide is used for hard bar soaps. The potassium soaps it produces are more soluble, which suits liquid formulations.
How does potassium hydroxide solution ship under DOT regulations?
Potassium hydroxide solution is assigned UN 1814 and is regulated as a corrosive for transport. We ship with the required hazard documentation, SDS, and CoA. Refer to the SDS for handling, storage, and GHS classification before use.
What grades and packaging are available in bulk?
We supply potassium hydroxide as flake, pellet, or aqueous solution in industrial packaging including drums, IBCs, and totes, with a CoA per lot. It classifies under HS 2815.20. Request a quote with your grade, concentration, and volume.