Interesting facts
Interesting Facts about Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye or caustic soda, is a highly versatile compound with numerous applications in various fields, making it a staple in both laboratories and industries. Here are some fascinating aspects of this powerful compound:
- Strong Base: Sodium hydroxide is classified as a strong base due to its ability to completely dissociate in water, producing hydroxide ions. This property makes it an important reagent in acid-base reactions.
- Industrial Uses: It is widely used in the manufacture of soap, paper, and textiles. Specifically, in the production of pulp and paper, it helps to break down cellulose fibers.
- Chemical Applications: Sodium hydroxide plays a crucial role in chemical manufacturing processes, including the production of biodiesel and various synthetic organic chemicals.
- pH Adjustment: Its alkaline properties allow it to adjust the pH in swimming pools, ensuring safe and clean water for users.
- Safety Precautions: It is essential to handle sodium hydroxide with care. The compound is highly caustic and can cause severe burns upon contact with skin or mucous membranes. Always use proper protective equipment!
- Historical Significance: Sodium hydroxide has been known since ancient times, although it was used more commonly in the 19th century during the industrial revolution, paving the way for significant advancements in chemical engineering.
In summary, sodium hydroxide is not only an important chemical compound with a wide range of applications but also presents unique challenges in its handling due to its corrosive nature. Understanding its properties and uses is vital for both students and professionals in the field of chemistry.
Synonyms
SODIUM HYDROXIDE
1310-73-2
Caustic soda
Sodium hydrate
Aetznatron
Soda lye
White caustic
Soda, caustic
Natriumhydroxid
Rohrputz
Plung
Liquid-plumr
Fuers Rohr
Rohrreiniger Rofix
NaOH
Hydroxyde de sodium
Natriumhydroxyde
Soda, hydrate
Sodium hydroxide dimer
Natrium causticum
Soda, kaustische
Lewis-red devil lye
Sodio(idrossido di)
Stamperprep
Caustic soda, liquid
Sodium(hydroxyde de)
Caswell No. 773
Tosoh pearl
Sodium hydroxide (Na2(OH)2)
Natrium-hydroxid, reinstes
UN 1823 (solid)
Promoter 3308b
HSDB 229
soude caustique
Natrii hydroxydum
EINECS 215-185-5
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 075603
NSC 135799
NSC-135799
UNII-55X04QC32I
CHEBI:32145
INS-524
55X04QC32I
DTXSID0029634
E-524
EC 215-185-5
SODIUM HYDROXIDE (MART.)
SODIUM HYDROXIDE [MART.]
Hydroxide, Sodium
sodio hidroxido
Sodium(hydroxide de)
Caustic Soda, Dry (DOT)
Caustic Soda, Bead (DOT)
Caustic Soda, Flake (DOT)
Caustic Soda, Solid (DOT)
Sodium Hydroxide, Dry (DOT)
Caustic Soda, Granular (DOT)
DTXCID609634
Sodium Hydroxide, Bead (DOT)
Sodium Hydroxide, Flake (DOT)
Sodium Hydroxide, Solid (DOT)
Sodium Hydroxide, Granular (DOT)
USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 075603
215-185-5
sodium hydroxide (acgih:osha)
Ascarite
Sodium hydroxide (Na(OH))
Collo-Grillrein
Collo-Tapetta
Ascarite II
81133-20-2
sodium;hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide, pellets
LYE
MFCD00003548
Sodium hydroxide, flake
Sodium hydroxide, solid
Sodium hydroxide; NaOH
Na (O H)
sodiumhydroxide
Natriumhydroxid [German]
Natriumhydroxyde [Dutch]
Hydroxyde de sodium [French]
Sodio(idrossido di) [Italian]
Sodium(hydroxyde de) [French]
Sodium Hydroxide (0.1M in water (0.1N))
Sodium hydroxide [NF]
UN1823
sodiumhydroxid
hydroxyl sodium
sodium hydoxide
sodium hydroxid
sodium hyroxide
Soda asbestos
hydroxide sodium
Natrii hydroxidum
Caustic soda, dry
Caustic soda, bead
Caustic soda, flake
Caustic soda, solid
Sodium hydroxide, dry
Sodium hydroxide beads
Caustic soda, granular
Sodium hydroxide liquid
Sodium hydroxide pearls
Sodium hydroxide, bead
Sodium hydroxide 50%
Sodium hydroxide (TN)
Sodium hydroxide, pearl
Sodium hydroxide (flake)
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
Sodium hydroxide (liquid)
Sodium hydroxide, granular
WLN: NA Q
Sodium hydroxide, anhydrous
Sodium hydroxide pellets, EP
Sodium hydroxide, micropearls
SODIUM HYDROXIDE [II]
SODIUM HYDROXIDE [MI]
Sodium hydroxide (JP17/NF)
SODIUM HYDROXIDE [FCC]
SODIUM HYDROXIDE [JAN]
SODIUM HYDROXIDE [HSDB]
CHEMBL2105794
SODIUM HYDROXIDE [VANDF]
Sodium hydroxide pellets USP-NF
SODIUM HYDROXIDE [WHO-DD]
SODIUM HYDROXIDE [WHO-IP]
BCP26108
NSC135799
Sodium hydroxide pellets ACS reagent
AKOS015913904
AKOS015951419
DB11151
SODIUM HYDROXIDE [EP MONOGRAPH]
NATRII HYDROXYDUM [WHO-IP LATIN]
Sodium hydroxide pellets Biochemical Grade
NS00076150
O0575
S0543
Sodium azidodifluoroacetate 0.25 M in water
Sodium hydroxide 10% aqueous solution (wt/v)
Sodium hydroxide, ROTI?Volum, 1N (Ampoule)
D01169
Sodium hydroxide, solid [UN1823] [Corrosive]
Q102769
Sodium hydroxide, pellets, Trace Metals Grade 99.99%
1.25N NaOH Distillation Fluid, 50 x 10 mL, smart delivery PFA Tube
Solubility of Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), commonly known as lye or caustic soda, exhibits remarkable solubility in water. It can be categorized as follows:
It is important to note that while sodium hydroxide is very soluble in water, it is virtually insoluble in organic solvents such as ether or alcohols. Thus, its behavior can vary greatly depending on the medium used. As stated in chemical literature, "the solubility of a compound can significantly influence its reactivity and applications in various chemical processes."
The major takeaway is that sodium hydroxide's excellent solubility in water enables its extensive use in various sectors, including industrial, laboratory, and sanitation applications.