Potassium hydroxide

Other names: Potassium hydroxide, Caustic potash, E525

Potassium hydroxide, also known as potassium hydroxide, caustic potash or E525, is an inorganic compound that is one of the alkali bases, has an exothermic reaction with water and is a strong base capable of neutralizing acid. Potassium hydroxide in its pure form is a white crystalline substance that is found in flux, although it is commonly found as a solid material when mixed with water in commercial mixtures.

Potassium hydroxide is an important chemical industrial base that is used to make many products. Among others, as E525, it is a component of the food industry, particularly in canned vegetables and fruits, sausages, confectionery, chocolate products, dairy products, and many others. It destroys bacteria and thus prolongs the shelf life of foods, and also regulates their acidity, among other things. It is also used in the cosmetics industry, particularly in the manufacture of soaps, but also creams, lotions, shampoos and other skin and hair care products. In industry, it is widely used in the production of fertilisers, as well as in bleaching and cleaning agents, solid fuel rocket propulsion, and in biofuels and battery production. Despite its wide range of uses, it should be remembered that it is a potentially dangerous substance that can cause severe burns and eye damage.