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- Definition of KOH
1.1 Names
1.1.1 Common name: KOH is also known as alkali, or potassium hydroxide.
1.1.2 English name: KOH is also known as Potassium hydroxide.
1.2 Atomic mass: KOH is a compound of K (potassium), O (oxygen), and H (hydrogen). The atomic mass of potassium is 39, oxygen is 16, and hydrogen is 1.
1.3 Molecular weight: The total molecular weight of KOH is 56.109 g/mol.
1.3.1 Molecular structure: A KOH molecule consists of one atom of potassium (K), one atom of oxygen (O), and one atom of hydrogen (H).
1.4 Ion structure: Potassium hydroxide (KOH) when dissolved in water, dissociates into K+ and OH- ions.
- Properties: KOH
2.1 Physical properties of KOH
State: Solid at room temperature.
Color: KOH is colorless.
Smell: KOH is odorless.
pH: KOH has a pH >7, it is a strong base.
2.2 Chemical properties of KOH: Dissolves in water to form a strong alkaline solution, reacts with acid to produce a salt and water.
- Common chemical equations of KOH
Metal reaction: No reaction
Acid reaction: KOH + HCl -> KCl + H2O
Non-metal reaction: KOH + CO2 -> K2CO3 + H2O
Salt reaction: KOH + NaCl -> NaOH + KCl
- Preparation of KOH
4.1 Laboratory preparation of KOH: KOH can be prepared by reacting a potassium compound with a water solution to make it dissociate.
4.2 Industrial preparation of KOH: In industry, KOH is generally produced by electrolyzing a KCl solution.