What is Caustic soda?

Caustic soda is also named “Lye” or “Sodium Hydroxide.” Caustic soda flakes are the by-product of sodium hydroxide water solution. Caustic soda flakes are extremely corrosive, not only on metals but also on plants and animal tissues. It is an inorganic chemical compound with a matte or milky white color. NaOH is the molecular formula of caustic soda. Caustic soda is a powerful alkali salt commonly used for industrial purposes.

Synthesis of Caustic soda

Specially designed production plants are required in the manufacturing of caustic soda flakes. First, liquid caustic soda is spurted over the nickel trays. Then it is transported to the plant where it is heated at a very high temperature of approximately 1400°C. Due to the heating process, the water content in the substance evaporates entirely, and liquid caustic soda gets concentrated. This concentrated liquid is then poured into a cooling drive apparatus. As the liquid sodium hydroxide cools down, it begins to form a thin layer of the sheet on the inner edges of the apparatus. These thinner sheets are purified caustic soda flakes that are exceedingly reactive, corrosive, and likely to come across in everyday use.

Background 

This chemical compound, sodium hydroxide, was used long before it was discovered. It was discovered by ancient Egyptians approximately 4800 years ago. While trying to wash away the vegetable ashes, they made an exciting discovery by making the water run through the vegetable ash. They discovered that the water that ran through the vegetable ash transformed the vegetables’ fats and oils into a waxy substance and named it soap. 

Chemical Data

  • The IUPAC name of this chemical compound is sodium hydroxide.
  • The PubChem CID of caustic soda flakes is 14798.
  • The molecular formula of sodium hydroxide is NaOH.
  • The molar mass is 39.9971g per mol.
  • The density of this chemical compound is 39.9971g per cm.
  • Its melting point is 323 °C (613 °F; 596 K).
  • Its boiling point is 1,388 °C (2,530 °F; 1,661 K).
  • The solubility of sodium hydroxide flakes in water is 1000 g/L (25 °C).

Properties

Chemical Properties

  • Sodium hydroxide flakes are soluble in glycerol and insoluble in ether.
  • The solubility of this chemical compound in water is too high, quite moderate in alcohol and insoluble in ether.
  • NaOH is an inorganic solvent.
  • Reacts quickly and strongly with organic and inorganic both acids. 

Physical Properties

  • Sodium hydroxide is an odorless and colorless white solid.
  • NaOH usually appears either in pearl form or flakes texture.
  • The nature of caustic soda is extraordinarily corrosive that can affect plants and tissues badly.
  • When exposed to the air, it absorbs carbon dioxide, forming sodium carbonate.
  • Quickly absorbs moisture from the air.
  • Caustic soda is not flammable but produces hydrogen gas that can cause explosions.
  • It isn’t very pleasant in taste and is waxy and soapy.
  • Attacks metals rapidly due to their strong corrosive alkaline nature.

Uses

  • Caustic soda flakes are used in almost every product we use daily. Let’s have a brief look.
  • Caustic soda flakes are utilized largely in industries as grease removers to remove oily and greasy deposits from containers, plants and equipment.
  • These flakes also hold great importance in manufacturing detergents, soaps and other surface cleaning agents.
  • Caustic soda flakes are also used in making arts n crafts-related materials such as paper, cardboard, paint, resins, adhesives etc.
  • Textile and leather factories have extensive use of NaOH for manufacturing purposes.
  • Due to its strong alkaline property, it efficiently cleans greasy and clogged drainages and blocked pipelines, making the water supply smooth.
  • This inorganic compound is dominant in producing alcoholic products, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
  • Sodium hydroxide is utilized in oil, gas and petroleum production and refining processes.
  • It is also one of the stronger bleaching agents used in dyes.
  • It is a pest-killer agent.
  • Used in the food industry as an acidity regulator and food starch modifier.
  • Commonly used in the photograph washing process.
  • Utilized for manufacturing of sodium salts to produce PH regulators.

Danger Factors

  • Direct contact with the eyes may be detrimental to eyesight.
  • Accidentally contact with skin and ingestion by mouth can cause severe burns and erosions of tissues.
  • When heated to decomposition, it produces extremely toxic fumes and gasses of sodium oxide that may cause difficulty in breathing.
  • Not flammable but, when dissolved in water, releases considerable heat that is adequate to explode the combustible materials.
  • Chemical reactions with metals can produce flammable hydrogen gas.
  • Heating the containers can cause a big explosion.
  • Dust particles can severely disturb the respiratory tract, resulting in lung damage, cancers and multiple organ failure.

Safety Measures

  • Wear proper protective clothing before working with chemicals.
  • Store the container of hydroxide flakes in a dry and cool place.
  • When accidentally contacted with eyes, wash your eyes thoroughly with gushes of water. Don’t let the chemical stay longer when contacting the skin by mistake. Thoroughly wash your hands as soon as possible. And when swallowed accidentally, don’t struggle to induce vomiting. Instead, take the affected person in the fresh air, and give him some water after a couple of minutes. And rush to the hospital for immediate medical consultation.

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