Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)

Preparation : It is prepared by electrolysis of KCl solution. Uses : 1. KOH resembles NaOH in all its reactions. However KOH is much more soluble in alcohol. This accounts for the use of alcoholic KOH in organic chemistry. 2. KOH is called caustic potash , because of their corrosive properties (for example on glass or on skiny) and its aqueous solution is known as potash lye. 3. It is used for the absorption of gases like CO2, SO2 etc., It is used for making soaps. Properties : Everything is as same are NaOH just replace Na, NaOH with K, KOH 1. Sodium hydroxide is a white, translucent solid. It melts at 591 K. It is readily soluble in water to give a strong alkaline solution. Crystals of sodium hydroxide are deliquescent. The sodium hydroxide solution at the surface reacts with the CO2 in the atmosphere to form Na2CO3. 2. It is white crystalline, deliquescent, highly corrosive solid. 3. It is stable towards heat. 4. Its aqueous solution alkaline in nature and soapy in touch. 5. Acidic and amphoteric oxides gets dissolved easily 6. Aluminium and Zn metals hues H2 from NaOH. 7. Several non metals such as P, S, Cl. Yields a hydride instead of hydrogen Some new properties 1. It is stronger case compared to NaOH. 2. Solubility in water is more compared to NaOH. 3. In alcohol, NaOH is sparingly soluble KOH is highly soluble . 4. As a regent KOH is less frequently used but in absorption of CO2, KOH is preferably used compared to NaOH . Because KHCO3 formed is soluble whereas NaHCO3 is insoluble and may therefore choke the tubes of apparatus used.