Potassium hydroxide is incompatible with strong acids, certain metals (like aluminum, zinc, tin), water, reducing agents, halogenated hydrocarbons, organic chemicals, nitrocarbons, and ammonium salts, potentially leading to violent reactions, fire, or explosions.

 Potassium hydroxide is incompatible with strong acids, certain metals (like aluminum, zinc, tin), water, reducing agents, halogenated hydrocarbons, organic chemicals, nitrocarbons, and ammonium salts, potentially leading to violent reactions, fire, or explosions. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the incompatible chemicals and their potential reactions:

Acids:

Potassium hydroxide reacts violently with strong acids (like hydrochloric, sulfuric, and nitric acid), generating heat and potentially causing explosions. 

Metals:

It reacts with metals like aluminum, zinc, and tin, forming flammable hydrogen gas. 

Water:

Contact with water can generate significant heat, potentially igniting nearby combustible materials. 

Reducing Agents:

Potassium hydroxide is incompatible with reducing agents (like lithium, sodium, aluminum, and their hydrides). 

Halogenated Hydrocarbons:

It reacts with halogenated hydrocarbons (like methylene chloride and trichloroethylene), potentially causing fire or explosion. 

Organic Chemicals:

It reacts with many organic chemicals, including acrolein, acrylonitrile, chlorinated hydrocarbons, maleic anhydride, nitroparaffins, and tetrahydrofuran (containing peroxides). 

Nitrocarbons:

It reacts with nitrocarbons, potentially forming shock-sensitive salts. 

Ammonium Salts:

It reacts with ammonium salts, potentially producing ammonia and generating a fire hazard. 

Oxidizing Agents:

It is incompatible with oxidizing agents. 

Specific Examples:

1,2-dichloroethylene and potassium hydroxide can form chloroacetylene, which is explosive and spontaneously flammable. 

Reaction between n-nitrosomethylurea and potassium hydroxide in n-butyl ether can result in an explosion due to the formation of diazomethane. 

Potassium persulfate and potassium hydroxide can ignite a polyethylene liner of a container by release of heat and oxygen.

Potassium hydroxide gel is a corrosive substance that can cause severe burns and damage to skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Always wear protective equipment, avoid contact, and follow safety procedures for handling and disposal. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the safety information:

Hazards:

Corrosive: Potassium hydroxide is a strong alkali that can cause severe burns and damage to skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

Ingestion: Ingestion can cause severe burning and pain in the mouth, throat, and stomach.

Inhalation: Inhalation of mists can cause irritation and damage to the respiratory tract.

Skin Contact: Prolonged or repeated contact can cause skin damage and burns.

Eye Contact: Contact with the eyes can cause severe damage and blindness. 

Safety Precautions:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing. 

Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation when handling potassium hydroxide. 

Avoid Contact: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. 

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from incompatible materials. 

Spills: Absorb spills with a non-combustible material and dispose of properly. 

First Aid:

Skin Contact: Immediately flush the affected area with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. 

Eye Contact: Immediately flush the eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, holding the eyelids apart. 

Ingestion: Rinse the mouth with water and seek immediate medical attention. 

Inhalation: Remove the person to fresh air and seek medical attention. 

Additional Information:

Fire: Fight fire with normal precautions from a reasonable distance. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full chemical protective clothing. 

Environmental Precautions: Do not allow spills to enter drains or waterways. 

Disposal: Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations.