Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong alkaline substance commonly used in industries as a cleaning agent and in the production of soaps, detergents, and paper. It is also known as lye or caustic soda.
| IUPAC Name | Sodium Hydroxide |
| Molecular Formula | NaOH |
| CAS Number | 1310-73-2 |
| Synonyms | Caustic soda, Lye |
| InChI | InChI=1S/Na.H2O/h;1H2/q+1;/p-1 |
Sodium Hydroxide Properties
Sodium Hydroxide Molar Mass
The molar mass of sodium hydroxide is 40.00 g/mol. It is the amount of mass of a substance that contains Avogadro’s number of entities. NaOH molar mass is a sum of Na (22.9 g/mol), O (15.9 gm/mol) and H (1 gm/mol) atomic masses.
Sodium Hydroxide Formula
The chemical formula for sodium hydroxide is NaOH. It consists of one sodium ion (Na+) and one hydroxide ion (OH-). Sodium hydroxide is a strong base and is commonly used in industrial applications as a cleaning agent and in the production of soaps, detergents, and paper.
Sodium Hydroxide Boiling Point
The boiling point of NaOH is 1388°C (2530°F). This is the temperature at which the substance changes its state from liquid to gas.
Sodium Hydroxide Melting Point
The melting point of NaOH is 318°C (604°F). This is the temperature at which the substance changes its state from solid to liquid.
Sodium Hydroxide Density g/mL
The density of caustic soda is 2.13 g/mL. It is the measure of the amount of mass in a unit of volume.
Sodium Hydroxide Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of caustic soda is 40.00 g/mol. It is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule of the substance.
Sodium Hydroxide Structure
Sodium hydroxide is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water. It has an ionic structure, with sodium cations (Na+) and hydroxide anions (OH-) held together by ionic bonds.
In conclusion, caustic soda is a white crystalline solid with a molar mass of 40.00 g/mol, boiling point of 1388°C (2530°F), melting point of 318°C (604°F), density of 2.13 g/mL, and a molecular weight of 40.00 g/mol. It has an ionic structure and its chemical formula is NaOH.
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Specific Gravity | 2.13 g/mL |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 40.00 g/mol |
| Density | 2.13 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 318°C (604°F) |
| Boiling Point | 1388°C (2530°F) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble in water |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol and glycerol |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | – |
| pH (10% solution) | 13.0-13.8 |
Sodium Hydroxide Safety and Hazards
Sodium Hydroxide is a strong alkaline substance that is highly caustic and can cause severe skin and eye irritation. Inhaling its fumes can lead to respiratory problems. It is also highly reactive with certain metals, producing heat and flammable hydrogen gas. It should be handled with care and appropriate protective equipment should be used when working with it. In case of contact with skin or eyes, flush with water immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
| Hazard Symbols | Corrosive |
| Safety Description | S26-S36/37/39 |
| UN IDs | UN1823 |
| HS Code | 2815.11.00 |
| Hazard Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact; irritant to eyes, skin, and respiratory system |
Sodium Hydroxide Synthesis Methods
NaOH can be synthesized through several methods, including the chloralkali process, the electrolysis of sodium chloride, and the reaction of sodium carbonate with calcium hydroxide.
The chloralkali process produces caustic soda by electrolyzing brine (sodium chloride solution). The electrolysis takes place in a membrane cell or a diaphragm cell and yields an aqueous solution of NaOH.
In the reaction of sodium carbonate with calcium hydroxide, one adds sodium carbonate to a solution of calcium hydroxide, which produces a calcium carbonate precipitate and a solution of caustic soda. To obtain NaOH, one can also add calcium hydroxide to a solution of sodium carbonate.
Sodium Hydroxide Uses
Sodium Hydroxide, also known as lye or caustic soda, is a versatile chemical with many industrial and household uses.
The industry widely uses caustic soda in the production of soaps, detergents, textiles, paper, and pulp. They also utilize it as a chemical intermediate for producing other chemicals such as sodium salts, chlorine, and sodium chlorate.
Households use caustic soda in cleaning and unclogging products like drain cleaners. The food industry also employs it as a pH control agent and a leavening agent in baking.
In addition, caustic soda has applications in water treatment and neutralization of acids. It is used to adjust the pH of water, control the corrosion of pipes, and reduce the levels of heavy metals in water.
Questions:
What is sodium hydroxide?
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong alkaline chemical compound. It is a white solid with a highly caustic and slippery texture. It is soluble in water, producing a highly basic solution. Industry widely uses caustic soda for various applications, including soap and detergent manufacturing, paper and textile production, pH control in the food industry, and water treatment and acid neutralization. Handle caustic soda with care, as it poses a hazard and can severely irritate skin and eyes, or even prove toxic if ingested or inhaled.
Is sodium hydroxide a base?
Yes, caustic soda (NaOH) is a base. It is a strong base and is commonly referred to as a caustic soda. Sodium hydroxide has a high pH and is capable of neutralizing acids. The base properties of caustic soda are due to the presence of hydroxide ions (OH-) in aqueous solution. When dissolved in water, caustic soda dissociates into its component ions, Na+ and OH-, resulting in a highly basic solution with a pH greater than 7.0.
Is sodium hydroxide a strong base?
Yes, caustic soda (NaOH) is a strong base. It is considered to be a strong base because it readily dissociates in water to produce hydroxide ions (OH-), which have a high affinity for protons (H+). This results in a high concentration of hydroxide ions in aqueous solution, which leads to a high pH and strong basicity. Strong bases, such as caustic soda, are capable of neutralizing strong acids and have a pH greater than 7.0 in aqueous solution. Caustic soda is commonly used as a pH control agent, neutralizing agent, and in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, textiles, and paper products.
What is sodium hydroxide used for?
NaOH, also known as caustic soda or lye, is used for a variety of applications in industry and household settings. Some of the main uses of NaOH include:
- Soap and Detergent Manufacturing: Caustic soda is used as a key ingredient in the production of soaps, detergents, and cleaning agents.
- Water Treatment: Caustic soda is used to adjust the pH of water, control the corrosion of pipes, and reduce the levels of heavy metals in water.
- Textile and Pulp Manufacturing: Caustic soda is used in the production of textiles, paper, and pulp. It is used to soften and break down cellulose fibers to make them easier to process.
- Chemical Intermediates: Caustic soda is used as a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals, such as sodium salts, chlorine, and sodium chlorate.
- Food Industry: Caustic soda is used as a pH control agent and as a leavening agent in baking. It is also used to regulate the acidity of fruits and vegetables.
- Cleaning Products: Caustic soda is used in cleaning and unclogging products, such as drain cleaners.
What is caustic soda?
Caustic soda is another name for NaOH, a white, odorless solid with a highly alkaline, slippery texture. It is a strong base and readily dissolves in water to produce a highly basic solution. Industries widely use caustic soda in various processes and applications, such as the production of soaps, detergents, and cleaning agents, water treatment, and pH control in the food industry. The chemical also plays a crucial role in the production of paper and textiles and acts as a chemical intermediate in the production of other chemicals.
Where to buy caustic soda?
Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide, can be purchased from a variety of suppliers, including:
- Chemical Distributors: There are many chemical distributors that specialize in selling industrial chemicals, including caustic soda. Some popular chemical distributors include Spectrum Chemical, Fisher Scientific, and VWR International.
- Online Retailers: Online retailers such as Amazon and eBay offer a range of chemicals, including caustic soda.
- Local Hardware Stores: Some local hardware stores carry caustic soda, usually in small quantities, for household use.
- Industrial Supply Companies: Industrial supply companies such as Grainger and MSC Industrial Direct carry a wide range of industrial chemicals, including caustic soda, for commercial and industrial use.
It is important to purchase caustic soda from a reputable supplier and to ensure that the product is suitable for your intended use. Additionally, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for storage and handling, as well as any relevant safety regulations and guidelines, to ensure safe and responsible use of caustic soda.