Potassium Hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula KOH and is strongly basic. It is a common inorganic base and is often referred to as caustic potash. Potassium hydroxide has a molecular weight of 56.1 and is in the form of a white powder or flaky solid at room temperature. Potassium hydroxide is readily soluble in hot water, ethanol and some organic solvents, but slightly soluble in ether. Potassium hydroxide is also susceptible to deliquescence in air by absorbing water, and will absorb carbon dioxide to form potassium carbonate.
Potassium hydroxide has a wide range of industries and applications including, but not limited to, electroplating, engraving, lithography, potash production, the dye industry, the textile industry, and in the production of medical and chemical products. Due to its strong alkalinity, potassium hydroxide is also used as a desiccant, analytical reagent, saponification and carbon dioxide absorbent. In addition, it has an important role in food additives, semiconductor, photovoltaic solar panel and display panel processing.