What is the chemical formula of sodium hydroxide?
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as lye and caustic soda, is a caustic metallic base. Sodium hydroxide forms a strong alkaline solution when dissolved in a solvent such as water, however, only the hydroxide ion is basic. It is used in many industries, mostly as a strong chemical base in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, soaps and detergents and as a drain cleaner. Worldwide production in 1998 was around 45 million tonnes. Sodium hydroxide is a common base in chemical laboratories. Pure sodium hydroxide is a white solid; available in pellets, flakes, granules and as a 50% saturated solution. It is hygroscopic and readily absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, so it should be stored in an airtight container. It is very soluble in water with liberation of heat. It also dissolves in ethanol and methanol, though it exhibits lower solubility in these solvents than potassium hydroxide. It is insoluble in ether and other non-polar solvents. A sodium hydroxide soluti
The chemical formula of sodium hydroxide is NaOH. Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda and lye, is a caustic metallic base. It is used primarily as a chemical base in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, soaps and detergents. Effects from inhalation of dust or mist can vary from mild irritation to serious damage of the upper respiratory tract, depending on the severity of the exposure.
