Sodium Hydroxide(TCI)

Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula

$$\text{NaOH}$$

. It appears as white, opaque crystals and has several important properties:

1. Chemical Formula:

   $$\text{NaOH}$$

2. Molar Mass: Approximately

   $$39.9971\text{g/mol}$$

3. Appearance: White, opaque crystals
4. Odor: Odorless
5. Density:

   2.13g/cm3

6. Melting Point:

   $$323\text{°C}(613\text{°F};596\text{K})$$

7. Boiling Point:

   $$1,388\text{°C}(2,530\text{°F};1,661\text{K})$$

8. Solubility in Water:

   • $$418\text{g/L}(0\text{°C})$$

   • $$1000\text{g/L}(25\text{°C})$$

   • $$3370\text{g/L}(100\text{°C})$$

9. Solubility in Other Solvents:
   • Soluble in glycerol
   • Negligible solubility in ammonia
   • Insoluble in ether
   • Slowly soluble in propylene glycol
10. Acidity (pKa):

    $$15.7$$

11. Safety Hazards:
    • Highly corrosive base that decomposes lipids and proteins, potentially causing severe chemical burns.
    • Readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air.

Sodium hydroxide is widely used in various applications, including soapmaking, paper production, and as an industrial alkali. It’s also a key ingredient in drain and oven cleaners.