Formula of potassium hydroxide. Potassium hydroxide Potassium hydroxide chemical formula

In total, there are three classes of inorganic compounds in nature: salts, oxides and hydroxides. Also, substances such as CI2, І2 and the like, consisting of only one chemical element, are distinguished into a separate class.

Classification of hydroxides

It is one of three existing classes of inorganic compounds. They are divided into acids, bases and amphoteric substances. The former consist of an H+ cation and an anion in the form of an acidic residue, for example, CI-. The structure of the second includes a cation of a metal, for example, Ca +, as well as an anion in the form of a hydroxyl group OH-. The latter are characterized by the fact that they simultaneously possess the chemical properties inherent in acids and bases. Such hydroxides include compounds of aluminum and iron. Bases, like other inorganic substances, can be divided into groups depending on their reactivity. The strongest in this regard are potassium and sodium hydroxide, which are also called alkalis. They quickly react with various substances.

Physical properties

This substance under normal conditions (at room temperature and low pressure) is in a solid state of aggregation. It looks like small crystals that are colorless and odorless, highly soluble in water. These crystals are extremely hygroscopic. Staying in the open air for a long time, they blur and turn into a solution, absorbing moisture from the atmosphere. The same phenomenon is observed with sodium hydroxide, the hygroscopicity of which is even higher.

Other names for potassium hydroxide

In common speech, this substance is called caustic potash, as well as caustic potash and potassium lye.

Chemical properties

The substance in question has all the features that are characteristic of bases. Its alkaline properties are very pronounced, like that of sodium hydroxide. When potassium hydroxide is burned, oxide of this metal and water are released. K2O has a light yellow color.

Salt interaction

Salts - substances consisting of a cation of a metal and an anion, represented by an acid residue. They are formed mainly by the interaction of active metals with acids. A substitution reaction occurs, in which, in addition to the salt, hydrogen is formed, which is released as a gas. When reacting with substances of this class, another salt containing potassium is formed, as well as a hydroxide of a metal. For example, when this substance interacts with copper chloride, copper hydroxide and potassium chloride are formed, which precipitate. In order to carry out this kind of reaction, it is necessary to take alkali and copper chloride in such proportions that two molecules of the first substance account for one second, that is, the ratio of the obtained substances will be as follows: for one molecule of cuprum hydroxide, two potassium chlorides. Such interactions are called exchange reactions. In order for them to be carried out, the following conditions must be met: one of the interaction products must either precipitate, or evaporate in the form of a gas, or become water. The metal that is part of the salt should be less reactive than potassium (everything except lithium).

Reactions with acids

All bases, including potassium hydroxide, are able to interact with acids. The most common and frequently used reaction is that involving the substance in question and sulfuric acid. In this case, potassium hydroxide is needed in such an amount that there are two of this compound per molecule of acid. In this kind of reaction, substances such as potassium sulfate and water are formed in a molar ratio of one to two. A similar chemical process is actively used in industry, since the resulting product is widely used everywhere.

What happens if you add it to the oxide?

In this case, in fact, an exchange reaction will also occur. For example, if you mix potassium hydroxide and iron dioxide in a molar ratio of two to one, you can get ferum hydroxide (II), which precipitates into a dark green precipitate, as well as potassium oxide in such proportions that one molecule of the first substance will have one second .

The main methods for producing potassium hydroxide

In industry, most often it is mined by electrolysis of a solution of potassium chloride. Obtaining potassium hydroxide is a process in which, in addition to the extracted substance, H 2 and CI 2 are formed.

Industrial use

Basically, this substance is used in the manufacture of soap and other cleaning products. This process uses the reaction of the compound in question with some kind of fat. Sodium hydroxide can also be used for the same purpose. Also considered in this article, the substance is widely used in the chemical industry to obtain a variety of potassium compounds, primarily its sulfate.

The reaction in which it is formed was discussed by us above. In the same field, it is used as a compound that absorbs gases such as hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide. It also acts as a desiccant due to its high hygroscopic properties. It can be used to determine the concentration level of acids in a solution. In addition, hydroxide is also used in the food industry. Here it is used as a food additive E525. It acts as an acidity regulator. You can meet it in the composition of cocoa, chocolate and other similar products. Potassium hydroxide is used in the processing of cellulose, to obtain viscose, used in alkaline batteries, added to dishwashing detergents or cleaning various surfaces, to treat cotton fabric and make it more hygroscopic.

Potassium compounds derived from its hydroxide and their uses

Most often, the substance in question is used to extract potassium sulfate, which is used as a fertilizer. They feed the plants during the growing season. It is also used as an emulsifier in the food industry - it makes it possible to obtain a homogeneous mass, consisting of components that do not mix under normal conditions. For its designation, the marking E515 is used. It can also, like potassium hydroxide, act as an acidity regulator. Sulfate is often used as a salt substitute. In addition, this substance finds its application in pharmacology in the production of dietary supplements, as well as in the manufacture of dyes. In addition, it is also used in the glass industry.

Potassium hydroxide and the human body

In the form of a concentrated solution, this chemical compound is dangerous to living organisms. Contact with skin or mucous membranes can cause serious injury. A concentrated solution of potassium hydroxide causes more severe burns than acids. It is also able to dissolve many organic compounds. This substance belongs to the second hazard class, that is, when working with it, special rules must be observed. An excess amount of potassium hydroxide in the body leads to the emergence of new skin diseases or exacerbation of chronic ones.

Brief description of potassium hydroxide:

Potassium hydroxide is a white inorganic substance.

Chemical formula of potassium hydroxide KOH.

It has a high hygroscopicity, but less than that of sodium hydroxide. Actively absorbs water vapor from the air.

It dissolves well in water, while releasing a large amount of thermal energy.

Potassium hydroxide is caustic, toxic and corrosive. It belongs to substances of the second class of danger. Therefore, care must be taken when working with it. Contact with skin, mucous membranes and eyes causes severe chemical burns.

Physical properties of potassium hydroxide:

Parameter name:	Meaning:
Chemical formula	KOH
Synonyms and names in a foreign language	potassium hydroxide caustic potash (Russian) potassium hydroxide (rus.)
Substance type	inorganic
Appearance	colorless monoclinic crystals
Color	white, colorless
Taste	—*
Smell	—
Aggregate state (at 20 °C and atmospheric pressure 1 atm.)	solid
Density (state of matter - solid, at 20 ° C), kg / m 3	2044-2120
Density (state of matter - solid, at 20 ° C), g / cm 3	2,044-2,12
Boiling point, °C	1327
Melting point, °C	380−406
Hygroscopicity	high hygroscopicity
Molar mass, g/mol	56,1056

* Note:

- there is no data.

Obtaining potassium hydroxide:

Potassium hydroxide on an industrial scale is obtained by electrolysis of potassium chloride with a solid asbestos cathode (diaphragm production method), with a polymer cathode (membrane production method), with a liquid mercury cathode (mercury production method).

The main trend in the world production of potassium hydroxide in the last 10 years is the transition of manufacturers to the membrane method of electrolysis.

Chemical properties of potassium hydroxide. Chemical reactions of potassium hydroxide:

Potassium hydroxide is a chemically active substance, a strong chemical base.

Aqueous solutions of KOH have a strong alkaline reaction.

The chemical properties of potassium hydroxide are similar to those of other alkali metal hydroxides. Therefore, it is characterized by the following chemical reactions:

1. reaction of potassium hydroxide with sodium:

KOH + Na → NaOH + K (t = 380-450 °C).

As a result of the reaction, sodium hydroxide and potassium.

2. reaction of potassium hydroxide with chlorine:

2KOH + Cl 2 → KCl + KClO + H 2 O.

As a result of the reaction, potassium chloride, potassium hypochlorite and water are formed. In this case, potassium hydroxide as a starting material is used in the form of a cold concentrated solution.

3.reaction of potassium hydroxide with iodine:

6KOH + 3I 2 → 5KI + KIO 3 + H 2 O (t = 80 °C).

As a result of the reaction, potassium iodide, potassium iodate and water are formed. In this case, potassium hydroxide as a starting material is used in the form of a hot concentrated solution.

4. reaction of potassium hydroxide with aluminum and water:

2Al + 2KOH + 6H 2 O → 2K + 3H 2 .

The reaction produces potassium tetrahydroxoaluminate and hydrogen. In this case, potassium hydroxide as a starting material is used in the form of a hot concentrated solution.

5. reaction of potassium hydroxide with zinc and water:

Zn + 2KOH + 2H 2 O → K 2 + H 2.

The reaction produces sodium tetrahydroxozincate and hydrogen.

6. the reaction of potassium hydroxide with phosphoric acid:

H 3 PO 4 + KOH → KH 2 PO 4 + H 2 O.

As a result of the reaction, potassium dihydroorthophosphate and water. In this case, the following are used as starting materials: phosphoric acid in the form of a concentrated solution, potassium hydroxide in the form of a dilute solution.

Potassium hydroxide reacts similarly with other acids.

7. reaction of potassium hydroxide with hydrogen sulfide:

H 2 S + KOH → KHS + H 2 O.

As a result of the reaction, potassium hydrosulfide and water are formed. In this case, potassium hydroxide as a starting material is used in the form of a dilute solution.

8. the reaction of potassium hydroxide with hydrogen fluoride:

HF + KOH → KF + H 2 O,

2HF + KOH → KHF 2 + H 2 O.

As a result of the reaction, in the first case, potassium fluoride and water are formed, in the second case, potassium hydrofluoride and water. At the same time, potassium hydroxide and hydrogen fluoride in the first case are used as a starting substance in the form of a dilute solution, in the second case, potassium hydroxide and hydrogen fluoride are used in the form of a concentrated solution.

9. reaction of potassium hydroxide with hydrogen bromide:

HBr + KOH → KBr + H2O.

As a result of the reaction, potassium bromide and water are formed.

10. reaction of potassium hydroxide with hydrogen iodine:

HI + KOH → KI + H2O.

As a result of the reaction, potassium iodide and water are formed.

11. reaction of potassium hydroxide with aluminum oxide:

Al 2 O 3 + 2KOH → 2KAlO 2 + H 2 O (t = 900-1100 ° C).

Aluminum oxide is an amphoteric oxide. As a result of the reaction, potassium aluminate and water are formed. The reaction proceeds during sintering of the starting materials.

12. reaction of potassium hydroxide with aluminum oxide and water:

Al 2 O 3 + 2KOH + 3H 2 O → 2K.

Aluminum oxide is an amphoteric oxide. As a result of the reaction, potassium tetrahydroxoaluminate is formed. In this case, potassium hydroxide as a starting material is used in the form of a hot concentrated solution.

13. the reaction of potassium hydroxide with carbon monoxide ( carbon dioxide ):

KOH + CO 2 → KHCO 3,

2CO 3 + KOH → KCO 3 + H 2 O.

Carbon monoxide is an acid oxide. As a result of the reaction, in the first case, potassium bicarbonate is formed, in the second case, potassium carbonate and water. The reaction in the first case takes place in ethanol.

14. reaction of potassium hydroxide with sulfur oxide:

SO 2 + KOH → KHSO 3,

2SO 3 + KOH → K 2 SO 3 + H 2 O.

Sulfur oxide is an acid oxide. As a result of the reaction, in the first case, potassium hydrosulfite is formed, in the second case, potassium sulfite and water. The reaction in the first case takes place in ethanol.

15. reaction of potassium hydroxide with silicon oxide:

4KOH + 2SiO 2 → K 2 SiO 3 + K 2 Si 4 O 5 + 2H 2 O (t = 900-1000 ° C),

6KOH + 5SiO 2 → K 4 SiO 4 + K 2 Si 4 O 9 + 3H 2 O.

As a result of the reaction, in the first case, potassium metasilicate, potassium metatetrasilicate and water are formed, in the second case, potassium orthosilicate, potassium tetrasilicate and water. In this case, potassium hydroxide as the starting material is used in the second case in the form of a concentrated solution.

16. reaction of potassium hydroxide with aluminum hydroxide:

Al(OH) 3 + KOH → KAlO 2 + 2H 2 O (t = 1000 °C),

Al(OH) 3 + KOH → K.

Aluminum hydroxide is an amphoteric base. As a result of the reaction, in the first case, potassium aluminate and water are formed, in the second case, sodium tetrahydroxoaluminate. In this case, potassium hydroxide as the starting material is used in the second case in the form of a concentrated solution.

17. reaction of potassium hydroxide with zinc hydroxide:

Zn(OH) 2 + 2KOH → K 2 .

Zinc hydroxide is an amphoteric base. As a result of the reaction, potassium tetrahydroxozincate is formed.

18. the reaction of potassium hydroxide with iron sulfate:

FeSO 4 + 2KOH → Fe (OH) 2 + K 2 SO 4.

gland and potassium sulfate.

19. reaction of potassium hydroxide with copper chloride:

CuCl 2 + 2KOH → Cu(OH) 2 + 2KCl.

As a result of the reaction, hydroxide is formed copper and potassium chloride.

20. the reaction of potassium hydroxide with aluminum chloride:

AlCl 3 + 3KOH → Al(OH) 3 + 3KCl.

As a result of the reaction, hydroxide is formed aluminum and potassium chloride.

The reactions of potassium hydroxide with other salts proceed similarly.

Caustic potash, aka caustic potash, aka potassium lye, aka potassium hydroxide KOH.
It is alkali, and alkali is very strong. At the same time - the first, which became available to mankind. In fact, it is a rare case that a strong connection is available first, and I suspect this is generally a unique case ...

To obtain it in antiquity, only two main ingredients are needed - this is K 2 CO 3 and slaked lime Ca (OH) 2. Both the first and second are very ancient compounds.
Well, what else is there to say?

Ca(OH) 2 + K 2 CO 3 → CaCO 3 + 2 KOH

The process is poisonous and quite unpleasant. Caustic potash is named so because it is very caustic. No wonder it is used for resomation (a kind of chemical alternative to cremation) to dissolve corpses. Very effective in destroying any organics (who had problems with dragons? :D).

But let's see where it is used, because in the modern world it is produced in millions of tons per year.

1. Soap production. Usually caustic soda is used for this, but if you take caustic potash instead, then the soap turns out to be liquid. But, maybe it is worth promoting modern liquid detergents in antiquity? They definitely have a use, and it's not just dishwashing, it's shampoos and shaving creams.

2. Neutralization of acids. The number of productions where this is necessary is very long, and cannot be listed. Including treatment for acid burns. Yes, and the regulation of acidity is also here (including the regulation of the acidity of food products).

3. Production of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate).

4. It is used in the manufacture of paper, prevents the formation of foam.

5. Electrolyte. Now it is an electrolyte in alkaline batteries (we all remember that muck that oozes when the “battery leaked”?), But it is also suitable as an electrolyte for the production of electroplating (although not in all processes).

6. Fertilizer feedstock, dye feedstock, pesticide feedstock, methane production feedstock.

7. Cleaning metal products from grease - for the same electroplating.

8. Purification of waste water from suspended particles and purification of exhaust gases (neutralization).

9. For chemical activation (but, to tell the truth, there is a lot of everything needed).

10. Drilling solutions.

11. It is used in the production of plaster, gypsum solutions, whitewashing.

12. Biodiesel production.

But, I must say, now the use of caustic potash is not so wide. The fact is that at present caustic potash is more expensive than caustic soda and it is used not just where alkali is needed, but precisely where potassium compounds are needed.
And, of course, in the modern world, no one gets caustic potash from potash. It is obtained by several methods (usually electrolytic) from potassium salt, the explored deposits of which are very rather big.

A bastard, remember! If in ancient times you need alkali, look for caustic potash!

In industry, potassium hydroxide is obtained by electrolysis of potassium chloride. A feature of the technological design of the production of potassium hydroxide is the fact that similar electrolysis plants can produce both caustic potash and caustic soda. This allows manufacturers to switch to the production of potassium hydroxide instead of caustic soda without significant capital investments, the production of which is not so profitable, and marketing has become more complicated in recent years. At the same time, in case of changes in the market, a painless transfer of electrolyzers to the production of a previously produced product is possible ...

POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE: Properties and Applications

Potassium hydroxide (lat. Potassium hydroxide, "potassium lye") - KOH. Trivial names: caustic potash, caustic potash, as well as potassium oxide hydrate, potassium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, caustic potash, potassium alkali.

Properties of potassium hydroxide
Colorless, very hygroscopic crystals. Aqueous solutions of KOH have a strongly alkaline reaction. Potassium oxide hydrate (potassium hydroxide) is obtained by diaphragm electrolysis of a potassium chloride solution. Physical constants: Mr = 56.11, r = 2.04 g/cm3, tmelt = 404°C, tboil = 1324°C
Potassium hydroxide is sold in the form of massive blocks, flakes, granules or small pieces, as well as 40-50% solutions. Potassium compounds are less common and therefore more expensive than the corresponding sodium compounds. They are used only in those cases when the complex of physicochemical properties inherent in them, which is not provided by sodium compounds, is necessary.
Potassium oxide hydrate is non-flammable and explosion-proof, according to the degree of impact on the body, it belongs to substances of the 2nd class. A caustic substance, when it comes into contact with the skin and mucous membranes, especially the eyes, causes severe chemical burns and chronic skin diseases. Eye contact is especially dangerous.
The potassium hydroxide solution is poured into clean steel containers or barrels with a capacity of 100, 200 and 275 liters. Solid potassium hydroxide is packed in clean dry steel drums with a capacity of 50-180 dm³. The product in the form of flakes may be packed in steel drums with a capacity of 50-180 dm³ with polyethylene liners or in polyethylene bags.
In Russia, technical potassium oxide hydrate is produced in accordance with GOST 9285-78, a chemically pure product is produced in accordance with GOST 24363-80. Foreign product complies with CAS 1310-58-3.
Below are the technical characteristics of Russian-made liquid and flaked potassium hydroxide, as well as the characteristics of an imported product.

Main areas of consumption
Potassium hydroxide is an almost universal chemical compound. The following are examples of materials and processes in which it is used:
- neutralization of acids,
- alkaline batteries,
- catalysis,
- detergents,
- drilling fluids,
- dyes,
- fertilizers,
- food production,
- gas cleaning,
- metallurgical production,
- oil refining,
- various organic and inorganic substances,
- paper production,
- pesticides,
- pharmaceuticals,
- pH regulation,
- potassium carbonate and other potassium compounds,
- soap,
- synthetic rubber.

One of the most important applications of potassium hydroxide is the production of soft soaps. Mixtures of potassium and sodium soaps are used to make liquid soaps, detergents, shampoos, shaving creams, bleaches, and some pharmaceuticals. Another important area of ​​application is the production of various potassium salts. For example, potassium permanganate is obtained by fusing manganese dioxide with caustic potash and then oxidizing the resulting potassium manganate in an electrolysis chamber. Potassium dichromate can be prepared in a similar manner, although it is more commonly made by fusing finely divided chromite ore with potassium carbonate or hydroxide and treating the resulting chromate with acid to form potassium dichromate. Potassium hydroxide is also used together with caustic soda in the production of many dyes and other organic compounds, as well as a gas adsorbent, a dehydrating agent, a precipitator of insoluble metal hydroxides, in alkaline batteries, to obtain various potassium compounds.
In addition, potassium hydroxide is used to disinfect wastewater, in the nitrogen industry for drying gases, in the rubber industry as a "potassium soap" that prevents rubber crumbs from sticking together, etc.

Liquid technical potassium hydroxide is used in the production of fertilizers, synthetic rubber, electrolytes, reagents, and in the medical industry.

Flaked potassium hydroxide is used in the production of fertilizers and synthetic rubber, in the pharmaceutical industry and in other industries.

Technical potassium hydroxide is used for leaching of steel castings, for maintaining the alkalinity of drilling fluids within specified limits, for the production of fertilizers, synthetic rubber, and in other industries.

Features and trends of production technologies
On an industrial scale, potassium hydroxide is obtained by electrolysis of potassium chloride. Three variants of electrolysis are possible: electrolysis with a solid asbestos or polymer cathode (diaphragm and membrane production methods), electrolysis with a liquid mercury cathode (mercury production method). Among the electrochemical production methods, mercury cathode electrolysis is the easiest and most convenient method, but this method causes significant environmental damage due to evaporation and leakage of metallic mercury. The membrane production method is the most efficient, but also the most complex. While the diaphragm and mercury methods have been known since 1885 and 1892, respectively, the membrane method is relatively recent, in the 1970s.
The main trend in the world production of potassium hydroxide in the last 10 years is the transition of manufacturers to the membrane method of electrolysis. Mercury electrolysis is an outdated, uneconomical and environmentally damaging technology. Membrane electrolysis completely eliminates the use of mercury. The environmental safety of the membrane method lies in the fact that the wastewater after treatment is again fed into the technological cycle, and is not discharged into the sewer. When using this method, the following tasks are solved: the stage of liquefaction and evaporation of chlorine is excluded, hydrogen is used for process steam, gas emissions of chlorine and its compounds are excluded. The world leader in the field of membrane technology is the Japanese company Asahi Kasei.
In Russia, the production of potassium hydroxide is carried out by mercury (ZP KCHK) and diaphragm (Soda-Chlorate) methods.
A feature of the technological design of the production of potassium hydroxide is the fact that similar electrolysis plants can produce both caustic potash and caustic soda. This allows manufacturers to switch to the production of potassium hydroxide instead of caustic soda without significant capital investments, the production of which is not so profitable, and marketing has become more complicated in recent years. At the same time, in case of changes in the market, a painless transfer of electrolyzers to the production of a previously produced product is possible.
An example of the transfer of part of the capacities from the production of sodium hydroxide to potassium hydroxide can be JSC Polymer Plant KCHK, which began the industrial production of caustic potash at five electrolyzers in 2007.

Potassium hydroxide is an alkaline substance and has strong emulsifying properties. Thanks to this additive, which is also known under the names "potassium hydroxide", "potassium lye", "caustic potash", and under the code E525, it is possible to create homogeneous mixtures of components like oils or water with. In their normal state, these elements cannot interact as a mixture, but due to the addition of potassium hydroxide, they form homogeneous textures.

The substance is considered safe for humans, so it is often used in the food industry. However, food production is not the only industry in which potassium hydroxide has found a place.

What is the E525 additive and how is it obtained

According to its chemical structure, potassium hydroxide is a strong alkali that can be used both in a loose state and in the form of a solution. White or colorless powder with fine granules is odorless and has good solubility in water. In addition to the granular form, the powder substance may consist of small flakes, balls, grains.

The aqueous solution, in turn, has a pungent alkaline odor. The taste of the additive is pronounced bitter, with a “soapy” aftertaste. In addition to water, the substance normally dissolves in ethers. The solution itself can become a solvent for some organic materials - paper, wood, leather. In addition, an aqueous solution is capable of corroding glass, and the melt has a similar effect on porcelain and platinum.

At a temperature of 404 degrees Celsius, the additive begins to melt, and at 1324 degrees it boils. Potassium hydroxide is capable of reacting with acid oxides, acids and transition metals, and due to its high hygroscopicity, it is highly susceptible to moisture.

Food manufacturers appreciate the E525 additive as an emulsifier for creating homogeneous mixtures, as well as an acidity level regulator that is able to set and maintain a certain value of the acidic environment in the product.

Regarding the preparation of the additive, there are several methods most commonly used in the industry. The process occurs through the electrolysis of aqueous solutions of potassium chloride.

Electrolysis can be carried out using a solid asbestos or polymer cathode (membrane method), as well as using a mercury cathode - this mechanism is the most profitable and common, since the resulting substance contains the least amount of impurities. Nevertheless, membrane is considered safe and more preferable for the food industry.

Areas of use of potassium hydroxide

Since the 17th and 18th centuries, the substance has been known for its cleansing properties: after exposure to high temperatures, it was possible to clean stainless steel products and surfaces with potassium hydroxide.

A little later, at the end of the 19th century, when the food industry began to intensively use the achievements of chemistry to improve the properties of manufactured products, attention was paid to caustic potash as an emulsifier and acidity regulator. Today it is used for the following purposes:

• to create and maintain the right pH level in chocolate and cocoa-based products;
• for protection against darkening, preservation of color and presentation of frozen vegetables, especially (as a processing component);
• for removing skins and skins from vegetables and fruits;
• for carrying out refining reactions of vegetable oils ( , ) as a catalyst.

It can be used for anisotropic etching of silicon in crystals, as well as for absorption of acid gases such as hydrogen sulfide or sulfur dioxide. Potassium hydroxide can be used to disinfect wastewater.

The substance is one of the most important elements in the chemical industry and in the production of a variety of consumer products, from batteries to agricultural fertilizers and mixtures.

The substance is also used in other industries, processes, materials:

• alkaline batteries;
• detergents;
• dyes;
• fertilizers;
• pharmaceuticals
• upon receipt of viscose threads and fibers for the processing of wood pulp;
• for processing cotton fabrics in order to make them hygroscopic.

Requirements for containers for transportation and storage

The additive may only be contained in sealed packaging that is resistant to alkali. These are unpainted polyethylene bags, steel drums lined with PTFE or polypropylene bags with an additional stable bag insert. It is permissible to pack small batches of a substance in plastic jars and buckets. Potassium hydroxide solution is usually stored in steel containers or drums.

In addition, the substance is non-flammable, but explosive, and this feature must be taken into account when choosing a place for storage.

Can E525 be harmful to human health

Definitely today it is only known that the substance does not bring any benefit to the body. In the composition of food, the amount of alkaline additive is so insignificant that it actually does not pose any danger.

Problems can be caused by careless handling of a concentrated substance: if it gets on the skin or mucous tissues, it causes a severe chemical burn, and if the additive gets into the eyes, it can result in complete loss of vision.

To work with potassium liquor, it is necessary to adhere to safety precautions: protective clothing, gloves, masks, goggles and special shoes are required.

Studies conducted using laboratory animals have shown that the constant use of the acidity regulator E525 can cause chronic skin diseases. However, there is still no established daily intake of the supplement.

The substance is approved for use in the food manufacturing process in Russia, Ukraine, Canada, the United States and the European Union. By itself, potassium hydroxide is a strong alkali, therefore, in direct contact with the pure form of the substance, a person is in danger of getting severe burns and even blindness. In food, the amount of the additive is so small that it does not cause harm to health; moreover, it is allowed to be used in baby food. In addition to food production, the scope of use of potassium hydroxide is very wide: it is the production of various detergents, chemicals, fertilizers, paper, rubber, and oil distillation, and many chemical reactions for various purposes, as well as metallurgical and drilling processes.