What is KOH? Important Knowledge about KOH

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.

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