Potassium hydroxide, also known as "caustic potash," has the chemical formula KOH. It is commonly found as white flakes. It is highly soluble in water and ethanol, releasing significant heat upon dissolution, and readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air. It is used as an analytical reagent and in the chemical industries such as soap making, paper production, textiles, printing and dyeing, pharmaceuticals, electroplating, as well as in organic synthesis.