Sodium Hydroxide

What is sodium hydroxide?

Lye and caustic soda are the two names of sodium hydroxide. Caustic soda, lye, and sodium hydroxide are the exact same thing but just different names. The chemical itself is caustic or corrosive and its chemical name is sodium hydroxide so that is why it has these names. Sodium hydroxide is a compound that is inorganic with the formula NaOH. It is a strong base and is totally soluble in water and can be dissociated into sodium and hydroxyl ions in solution. Sodium hydroxide nature is usually of a white powder consistency which is an ionic compound that consists of sodium cations and hydroxide anions that can be either in the form of flakes, crystals, or pearls.

Properties 

Physical properties

• The pure form of caustic soda or sodium hydroxide is a colorless crystalline.
• Its concentrated aqueous solution’s viscosity is much greater than water.
• It can make several hydrates.
• Highly soluble in polar solvents like ethanol and methanol that have lower solubility.
• It quickly absorbs carbon dioxide and water from the air.
• It also exists in the form of liquid.
• It has no odor

Chemical properties 

• The acidity of sodium hydroxide is 13 which is quite high.
• It leaches atmospheric hydroxides or oxides.
• Caustic soda can react with protic acids to form water and salts.
• Sodium hydroxide has an ionic bond between OH(-1) ion and Na(+1).
• There is a covalent bond is in between oxygen and hydrogen in the hydroxide.

Chemical data

• Its molecular formula is NaOH or HNaO.
• Its molar mass is 39.997 grams per mol.
• Its melting point is 318°C.
• The boiling point of sodium hydroxide is 1388°C.
• Its density is 2.13 grams per centimeters cube.
• The molecular weight is 39.997.
• Its pub chem is 14798.

Uses

• Sodium hydroxide is usedto make soaps, paper, petroleum products, rayon exploding products, and dyes.
• It is used in the processing of cotton, fabric, and cleaning metal.
• Used in the processing of oxide coating, electroplating, and electrolytic extraction.
• It is used in the refining of petroleum and vegetable oils.
• Sodium hydroxide is used in the purification of bauxite so the extraction of aluminum can occur.
• It is used as a cleaning agent in washing powder for machines metal sheets etc.