15 Facts on HCl + KOH: What, How To Balance & FAQs

The HCl + KOH reaction involves hydrochloric acid (HCl), and potassium hydroxide (KOH), a strong base. Let us study some interesting facts about HCl + KOH reaction.

Hydrochloric acid is the solution of hydrogen chloride with water and mainly exists in liquid form. It dissociates in water as H+ and Cl- ions. 36.458 g/mol is the molar mass of HCl. Potassium hydroxide is a strong base. It dissolves and dissociates in water as K+ and OH ions and is hygroscopic in nature.

In this article, we will study the various facts of “HCl + KOH” reactions, like the product of the reaction, ionic equation, etc.

What is the product of HCl and KOH?

HCl and KOH react with each other to form potassium chloride (KCl) and by-product water (H2O).

HCl + KOH = KCl + H2O

What type of reaction is HCl + KOH?

The HCl + KOH is a neutralization reaction. Because, in this reaction, HCl (acid) reacts with KOH (base) forming KCl, which is a salt.

How to balance HCl + KOH?

The HCl + KOH reaction is a balanced reaction, so there is no need to balance it. The number of atoms on the right side of the reaction is the same as that on the left side.

HCl + KOH = KCl + H2O

HCl + KOH titration

Apparatus Used

  • Burette,
  • Pipette,
  • Conical flask,
  • Beaker,
  • Measuring (graduated) cylinder,
  • Funnel,
  • Burette stand,
  • Glass rod

Titrant and Titre

In HCl + KOH reaction, KOH is titrant and HCl is titre.

The indicator used

Phenolphthalein can be used as an indicator. For strong acid vs strong base titrations other indicators like methyl orange, and cresol red can also be used as indicators.  

Process

  • The burette was filled with KOH.
  • HCl was taken in the conical flask and the indicator, phenolphthalein, was added.
  • Then KOH was added dropwise from the burette to the conical flask.
  • The solution will turn from colorless to pale pink on reaching the end-point.
  • The reading was recorded from the burette to measure the amount of KOH consumed to neutralize the reaction.

HCl + KOH net ionic equation

The net ionic equation can be determined by using the following steps:

  • The reactants should be dissociated into their respective ions.
  • Dissociation of the reactants into ions will give the complete ionic equation.
  • Then the spectator ions should be removed from both sides of the equation, to get the net ionic equation.

Once followed the above-mentioned steps, the equation will look like this:

Ionic equation
Ionic Equation

HCl + KOH conjugate pairs

  • The conjugate base of HCl = Cl (KCl)
  • The conjugate acid of KOH = H+ (H2O).
conjugate pairs
Conjugate Pairs

HCl and KOH intermolecular forces

HCl + KOH reaction enthalpy

The enthalpy of the HCl + KOH reaction is -55.84 kJ. The enthalpy of a reaction is calculated as follows:

Enthalpy of products – Enthalpy of reactants = Enthalpy of reaction

CompoundsEnthalpy (kJ/mol)
HCl-167.15
KOH-482.39
KCl-419.55
H2O-285.83
Enthalpy of Reactants and Products

Is HCl + KOH a buffer solution?

HCl + KOH is not a buffer solution because a buffer solution is the solution of a weak acid and its conjugate base.

Is HCl + KOH a complete reaction?

The HCl + KOH is a complete reaction, because both the reactants, HCl and KOH, are consumed completely.

Is HCl + KOH an exothermic or endothermic reaction?

The HCl + KOH reaction is an exothermic reaction. Because the reaction leads to an increase in the temperature of the reaction.

Is HCl + KOH a redox reaction?

The HCl + KOH reaction is not a redox reaction. As in this reaction oxidation and reduction are not taking place simultaneously.

Is HCl + KOH a precipitation reaction?

The HCl + KOH reaction is not a precipitation reaction, because no insoluble product or precipitate is forming in this reaction.

Is HCl + KOH reversible or irreversible reaction?

The HCl + KOH reaction is an irreversible reaction because it involves acid and base, leading to the formation of salt and both the reactants are completely consumed.

Is HCl + KOH displacement reaction?

HCl + KOH reaction is a double displacement reaction because, the Cl ion gets displaced from HCl and combines with K+ to form KCl. Also, the OH ion gets displaced from K+ and combines with H+ to form H2O.

double displacement reaction 1
Double Displacement Reaction

Conclusion

The HCl + KOH reaction is an acid-base neutralization reaction. This reaction involves a strong acid and a strong base. The HCl + KOH reaction leads to the formation of salt (KCl) as the product, which finds its application in industries and laboratories.

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