Product Overview & China Production Capacity
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH, CAS 1310-58-3, MW 56.11) is a strong inorganic base used in pharmaceutical manufacturing as a pH adjuster, saponification agent, and alkalizing excipient. China produces over 1.2 million metric tons of potassium hydroxide annually through membrane-cell electrolysis of potassium chloride solutions, with major production centers in Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Sichuan provinces leveraging abundant potash resources. This enormous capacity supports manufacturer-direct supply of pharma-grade KOH at globally competitive pricing.
In pharmaceutical applications, KOH adjusts the pH of liquid formulations, neutralizes acidic APIs for salt formation, and serves as a reagent in soft soap manufacturing for topical preparations. Food-grade KOH is used in alkaline processing of cocoa and as an acidity regulator. Chinese manufacturers produce flake, pellet, and solution forms of KOH with assay values reaching 90% and above for solid grades, meeting stringent pharmacopoeial purity requirements through multi-stage purification and mercury-free electrolysis technology.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Manufacturing facilities maintain ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and China quality certifications. Analytical testing includes assay determination (acidimetric titration), carbonate content, chloride, sulfate, heavy metals (ICP-OES), iron, sodium, and nitrogen compound analysis. Products conform to USP/NF, EP, FCC, and ChP monograph specifications. Mercury-free membrane cell technology ensures absence of mercury contamination in all grades.
Process controls monitor electrolysis current density, cell temperature, caustic concentration, and evaporation parameters. Flaking or prilling is performed in enclosed systems to minimize atmospheric CO₂ absorption. Finished product is immediately sealed in moisture-proof packaging to maintain assay values throughout storage and distribution.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 1310-58-3 |
| Molecular Formula | KOH |
| Molecular Weight | 56.11 g/mol |
| Appearance | White flakes, pellets, or sticks |
| Assay | ≥85.0% (pharma grade ≥90%) |
| Carbonate (as K₂CO₃) | ≤3.5% |
| Chloride | ≤0.01% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm |
| Iron | ≤10 ppm |
| Pharmacopoeial Compliance | USP/NF, EP, FCC, ChP |
Packaging & Export Logistics
KOH flakes and pellets are packed in 25 kg PE-lined steel drums or 25 kg PE bags sealed within steel drums for moisture protection. Bulk supply in 1,000 kg IBC containers is available. All packaging meets UN transport requirements for corrosive solids (UN 1813, Class 8). Lead time is 7–12 business days from order confirmation, shipping from Qingdao, Tianjin, or Shanghai ports.
Hazardous goods documentation including DGD, MSDS, and UN packaging certificates is prepared by certified dangerous goods specialists. Moisture-barrier packaging options are available for extended storage requirements in humid climates.
China Supply Advantage
China’s access to abundant potash mineral resources and low-cost electricity for electrolysis delivers KOH pricing 30–45% below Western manufacturers. Modern mercury-free membrane cell technology ensures product purity meeting the most stringent international pharmacopoeial standards. Chinese KOH producers export to chemical and pharmaceutical companies across six continents, with documented quality track records and responsive logistics teams experienced in corrosive materials shipping compliance.