International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 525
Food additives Europe numbers: E525
Functional Category:
Alkalizing agent.
Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulation
Potassium hydroxide is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations to adjust the pH of solutions. It can also be used to react with weak acids to form salts. Therapeutically, potassium hydroxide is used in various dermatological applications.
Description
Potassium hydroxide occurs as a white or nearly white fused mass. It is available in small pellets, flakes, sticks and other shapes or forms. It is hard and brittle and shows a crystalline fracture. Potassium hydroxide is hygroscopic and deliquescent; on exposure to air, it rapidly absorbs carbon dioxide and water with the formation of potassium carbonate.
Stability and Storage Conditions
Potassium hydroxide should be stored in an airtight, nonmetallic container in a cool, dry place.
Incompatibilities
Potassium hydroxide is a strong base and is incompatible with any compound that readily undergoes hydrolysis or oxidation. It should not be stored in glass or aluminum containers, and will react with acids, esters, and ethers, especially in aqueous solution.
Safety
Potassium hydroxide is widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries and is generally regarded as a nontoxic material at low concentrations. At high concentrations it is a corrosive irritant to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. LD50 (rat, oral): 0.273 g/kg(1)