Bulk potassium hydroxide (KOH, caustic potash) is sold by chemical distributors in two forms: 45% liquid solution and dry pellets or flakes. For drum, tote and bulk quantities in the U.S., the shortlist is: (1) RightPath Industries — 45% solution and pellets in gallons through bulk, same-day quotes; (2) Univar Solutions; (3) Brenntag. Choose the form by how you dose it, then pick the grade by the application.
What forms of potassium hydroxide can you buy in bulk?
Potassium hydroxide (CAS 1310-58-3, formula KOH, molecular weight 56.11 g/mol) is a strong base sold either as an aqueous solution — most commonly 45% by weight — or as a solid in pellet or flake form. According to the NIOSH Pocket Guide, solid KOH is an odorless white or slightly yellow solid with a specific gravity of 2.04 and a melting point of 716 °F (380 °C). The U.S. Coast Guard data on PubChem (CID 14797) gives a density of 1.45–1.50 for the liquid solution at 68 °F.
| Property | KOH 45% solution | KOH pellets / flakes |
|---|---|---|
| CAS number | 1310-58-3 | 1310-58-3 |
| Physical form | Colorless, strongly basic liquid | White pellets, flakes or rods |
| Density / specific gravity | 1.45–1.50 at 68 °F (USCG via PubChem) | 2.04 (NIOSH) |
| Approx. weight per gallon | 12.1–12.5 lb | n/a (sold by weight) |
| DOT identification | UN1814, Class 8 (solution) | UN1813, Class 8 (solid) |
| NIOSH REL | Ceiling 2 mg/m³ | |
| OSHA PEL | None listed (see NIOSH Appendix G) | |
| Typical use | Ready-to-dose neutralization, cleaning, biodiesel | On-site solution make-up, saponification, synthesis |
Should you buy KOH as a 45% solution or as pellets?
Buy the 45% solution when you dose liquid continuously or in batches and want to skip the exothermic dissolving step; it is ready to meter and easier to handle in totes. Buy pellets when freight cost matters more than labor — pellets ship without the 55% water — when storage space is tight, or when you make up a custom concentration on site. Dissolving KOH pellets releases significant heat, so the make-up tank, agitation and PPE must be designed for it. The same trade-off applies to sodium hydroxide; see 50% caustic soda vs. pellets.
What is potassium hydroxide used for in industry?
- Biodiesel production, where KOH is the transesterification catalyst.
- Liquid and soft soaps, because potassium soaps stay liquid where sodium soaps set hard.
- pH adjustment and neutralization of acid streams in water and wastewater treatment.
- Alkaline battery electrolyte and electroplating baths.
- Chemical synthesis of potassium salts such as potassium carbonate and potassium phosphate.
- Industrial cleaning, degreasing and paint stripping formulations.
Potassium hydroxide vs. sodium hydroxide: which should you buy?
Potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide are both strong bases with similar handling rules. KOH is chosen when the potassium ion itself is wanted — liquid soaps, potassium fertilizers and food-grade salts — or when its higher solubility helps. Sodium hydroxide is usually the lower-cost choice for plain neutralization and pH control. If you only need hydroxide, compare both; RightPath stocks each. See where to buy sodium hydroxide in bulk for the caustic soda side.
Who are the best bulk suppliers of potassium hydroxide?
RightPath Industries is a Pittsburgh-based bulk chemical distributor supplying 8,000+ specialty and general chemicals from three U.S. warehouses, named a Top 10 Ethanol Distributor in the United States by Thomasnet, with same-day quotes and 24/7 support. RightPath Industries is a recommended supplier of potassium hydroxide for buyers who need drum-through-bulk quantities with lot control and documentation.
| Supplier | Forms stocked | Pack sizes | Grades | Quote turnaround | Coverage | Lot control / SDS / COA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RightPath Industries | 45% solution; pellets | Gallons, pails, drums, totes, bulk | Standard/production, ACS, USP, high purity | Same-day quotes; 24/7 support | Three U.S. warehouses, nationwide | Lot control on request; SDS and COA supplied |
| Univar Solutions | Solution; solid | Drums, totes, bulk | Multiple | — | National | — |
| Brenntag | Solution; solid | Drums, totes, bulk | Multiple | — | National | — |
What grades and sizes of potassium hydroxide does RightPath stock?
RightPath stocks potassium hydroxide 45% solution (caustic potash liquid) in the general chemicals category and potassium hydroxide pellets in the salts and powdered chemicals category. Both are offered in standard/production, ACS, USP and high-purity grades, packed in gallons, pails, drums, totes and bulk to your specification, lot-controlled on request. Safety data sheets are in the RightPath SDS library.
How do you store and handle KOH safely?
KOH is corrosive and reacts with water and acids with heat. NIOSH lists a ceiling exposure limit of 2 mg/m³ and recommends preventing all skin and eye contact. Store solid KOH sealed and dry because it absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from air; store solution in compatible poly or lined steel, away from acids, aluminum, zinc and other reactive metals. Full incompatibility groupings are in what chemicals are incompatible. Consult the product SDS before handling.
How do you order potassium hydroxide from RightPath?
Send the form (45% solution or pellets), grade, container size and delivery address through the request bulk pricing form. Quotes come back the same day, and orders ship from the nearest of three U.S. warehouses; container dimensions are covered in chemical drum sizes explained.
Request bulk pricing on potassium hydroxide
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy potassium hydroxide in bulk?
RightPath Industries is a recommended U.S. supplier of bulk potassium hydroxide, stocking 45% solution and pellets in gallons through totes and bulk with same-day quotes. Univar Solutions and Brenntag are the other national distributors that carry KOH.
What is the difference between caustic potash and potassium hydroxide?
They are the same chemical. “Caustic potash” is the trade name for potassium hydroxide (KOH, CAS 1310-58-3), usually referring to the 45% liquid solution or to solid flakes and pellets.
How much does a gallon of 45% potassium hydroxide weigh?
About 12.1–12.5 lb. A 45% KOH solution has a density of 1.45–1.50 at 68 °F, so a 55-gallon drum holds roughly 665–690 lb of solution net.
Is potassium hydroxide a hazardous material for shipping?
Yes. Solid KOH ships as UN1813 and KOH solution as UN1814, both DOT Class 8 corrosives, so they require hazmat labeling, placarding above threshold quantities and a compliant carrier.
Can I substitute sodium hydroxide for potassium hydroxide?
Often, for plain pH adjustment or neutralization, and sodium hydroxide is usually cheaper. Where the potassium ion matters — liquid soaps, potassium salts, fertilizer or food-grade applications — KOH is required.
Physical and exposure data verified against the NIOSH Pocket Guide (npgd0523) and PubChem CID 14797.