Sodium hydroxide

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Sodium hydroxide

General
Systematic name	Sodium hydroxide
Other names	Lye, Caustic Soda
Molecular formula	NaOH
Molar mass	39.9971 g/mol39.997 amu
Appearance	White solid
CAS number	1310-73-2
Properties
Density and phase	2.1 g/cm³2.1 g/ml, solid
Solubility in water	111 g/100 ml (20°C)
Melting point	318°C591.15 K 604.4 °F 1,064.07 °R (591 K)c
Boiling point	1390°C1,663.15 K 2,534 °F 2,993.67 °R (1663 K)
Basicity (pKb)	-2.43
Hazards
MSDS	MSDS Data External MSDS
Main hazards	Corosive may cause chemical burns permanent injury or scarring blindness
NFPA 704	0 3 1
Flash point	Non-flammable.
R/S statement	R35
Related compounds
Related	Ammonia, lime.

Sodium Hydroxide is a common chemical base. It is white and crystal-like at room temperature, odorless solid or liquid that absorbs moisture from the air. When dissolved in water or neutralized with acid it liberates substantial heat, which may be sufficient to ignite combustible materials. It is used a lot mixed together with other solution. Sodium hydroxide is very corrosive. It can be extremely dangerous if not used with caution. [1]

Properties

Sodium Hydroxide is a clear, colorless liquid. The boiling point is at 212 deg F. And the freezing point,32 deg F. It is soluble and has the molecular formula of KOH and it's molecular weight, 56.10.[2]

Occurrences

Sodium occurs in many materials such as: Pain stripper, gold pennies, aluminum production, chemical analysis, soap production, paper making, bio-diesel, aluminum etching, food preparation, domestic uses, tissue digestion, illegal drugs, and cleaning. [3]

Uses

Generating hydrogen and pretty colors from salt water. Bottom left yellow: Chloride, Top left pink: Sodium hydroxide + phenolphthalein, Top right yellow: Chloride, Bottom right prussian blue: potassium ferrocyanide with iron from the steel electrode

Sodium Hydroxide is a common product used in today's society. This base is used a lot to neutralize acids. Here are some of the uses of this substance: Paint stripper; although is used less and less because of its extreme corrosiveness and discoloring effect it has on wood, and refining of alumina, making paper and giving it its white color, soap production, food preparation(thickening of ice cream, softening of olives, and chemical peeling fruit.)

Fisrst Aid Measures

In case of inhalation, sure to breath fresh air; but if breathing is difficult, give oxygen and call a physician. If ingested, try not to induce vomiting and drink a lot of milk, water, or anything else that's available to drink. And get medical attention immediately. If contacted with skin flush skin with plenty of water for at least fifteen minutes. Also remove any type of clothing that could have been contaminated. Call a physician, immediately. If eyes have been contacted, flush them out immediately for at least fifteen minutes with plenty of water. Be sure to lift up your eyelids while washing in order for the contaminate to be completely wash out. Even if you think that you got all the contaminates out, call a physician immediately. [4]