What are the primary uses of potassium hydroxide ?
Potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide are used for the same things, although sodium hydroxide is cheaper and therefore more common. Both substances are incredibly useful. In general, it is a base used to neutralize acids and to drive chemical reactions. Uses of potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide: * It is used as a neutralizer in petroleum refining * Paint stripper (although it’s so caustic that its use is being phased out) * It’s used in the production of aluminum * Used in chemical analysis to measure the concentration of acids * Used in soap making * Used in paper making to separate lignin from cellulose fibers * Used as a catalyst in the production of biodiesel * Used to etch aluminum * Washing or chemical peeling of fruits and vegetables * Chocolate and cocoa processing * Caramel color production * Scalding poultry * Making soft drinks * Softening Olives * Unclogging drains * Hair straightener (although it is caustic and its use is being phased out) * Dissolving animal car