caustic soda flakes

Sodiumhydroxide (Na OH), also known as lye and caustic soda, is a caustic metallic base. It is usedin 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 wasaround 45 million tonnes.

Sodiumhydroxide is a common base in chemical laboratories.Pure sodiumhydroxide is a white solid; available in pellets, flakes, granules and as a 50%saturatedsolution. It is hygroscopic and readily absorbs water fromthe air, so it should be stored in an airtightcontainer. It is very soluble in water with liberation of heat.

It also dissolves in ethanol andmethanol, though it exhibits lower solubility in these solvents than does potassium hydroxide.Molten sodium hydroxide is also a strong base, but the high temperature required limitsapplications. It is insoluble in ether and other non-polar solvents.Asodium hydroxide solution willleave a yellow stain on fabric and paper.