Applications
Potassium hydroxide acts as the precursor for most of the soft and liquid soaps, and for numerous potassium-containing chemicals. It is widely used in the manufacture of detergents, fertilizer, rayon, paper, dyestuffs, various drugs, drug intermediates, fine chemicals, and petroleum products. In the field of organic chemistry, potassium hydroxide acts as a base, and is used in the synthesis of several organic compounds. Further it finds application as an electrolyte in alkaline batteries, which are based on nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen and manganese dioxide-zinc.

Solubility
Freely soluble in water. Soluble in ethanol.

Notes
Incompatible with acids, nitro compounds, alkali metals, magnesium, copper, halogens, azides and anhydrides. Contact with aluminum, tin and zinc liberates hydrogen gas.