Alkali hydroxide

The alkali hydroxides are a class of chemical compounds which are composed of an alkali metal cation and the hydroxide anion (HO^-). The alkali hydroxides are:

• Lithium hydroxide (LiOH)
• Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
• Rubidium hydroxide (RbOH)
• Caesium hydroxide (CsOH)

Additional recommended knowledge

How to quickly check pipettes?

Don't let static charges disrupt your weighing accuracy

Recognize and detect the effects of electrostatic charges on your balance

The most common alkali hydroxide is sodium hydroxide, which is readily available in most hardware stores in products such as a drain cleaners. Another common alkali hydroxide is potassium hydroxide. This is available as a solution used for cleaning terraces and other areas made out of wood.

All alkali hydroxides are corrosive, being strongly alkaline.

A typical school demonstration shows when a piece of an alkali metal is introduced to a bowl of water and a vigorous reaction begins. For example:

Sodium + water → sodium hydroxide + hydrogen gas

2 Na + 2 H₂O → 2 NaOH + H₂