KOHrasvaus
KOHrasvaus is a chemical process used in soap production in which fats or oils (triglycerides) are hydrolyzed by potassium hydroxide (KOH). In Finnish terminology, KOHrasvaus refers specifically to saponification with potassium hydroxide, yielding potassium soaps rather than the sodium soaps produced by NaOH. The process also releases glycerol as a byproduct.
The chemical reaction commonly described is triglyceride plus three molecules of potassium hydroxide to form glycerol
Applications of KOHrasvaus include industrial soap manufacturing and consumer cleaning products. Potassium soaps are valued for
Safety and handling considerations are important, as potassium hydroxide is caustic and reacts exothermically with water.
See also: Saponification, Potassium hydroxide, Soapmaking, Fatty acids.