Sodium hydroxide; NaOH; Molar mass 39.9971 g mol. Also known as Sodium oxidanide, Caustic soda, Lye, Ascarite, White caustic, Sodium hydrate. Sodium hydroxide is an inorganic compound, a highlyÂcausticÂbaseÂandÂalkaliÂthat may cause severeÂchemical burns. Highly soluble inÂwater, it readily absorbsÂmoistureÂandÂcarbon dioxideÂwhen exposed, as can be seen. It is a widely used chemical in manufacturing processes of wood pulp, Âpaper, Âtextiles, Âdrinking water, Âsoaps and detergents. It also has many uses in the food industry and has an E524 number. In the classroom, it is used along with hydrochloric acid and water to explain the pH scale. |