Overview

Sodium hydroxide (SO-dee-um hye-DROK-side) is a white deliquescent solid commercially available as sticks, pellets, lumps, chips, or flakes. A deliquescent material is one that absorbs moisture from the air. Sodium hydroxide also reacts readily with carbon dioxide in the air to form sodium carbonate. Sodium hydroxide is the most important commercial caustic. A caustic material is a strongly basic or alkaline material that irritates or corrodes living tissue. The compound ranked number 11 among chemicals produced in the United States in 2004.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Caustic soda; lye; sodium hydrate; white caustic

Formula:

NaOH

Elements:

Sodium, oxygen, hydrogen

Compound Type:

Base (inorganic)

State:

Solid

Molecular Weight:

40.00 g/mol

Melting Point:

323°C (613°F)

Boiling Point:

1388°C (2530°F)

Solubility:

Soluble in water, ethyl alcohol, methyl alcohol, and glycerol

How It Is Made

Sodium hydroxide is produced commercially simultaneously with chlorine gas by the electrolysis of a sodium chloride...