Sodium hydroxide

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. 

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.

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. 

Uses
Sodium hydroxide has many uses and can be a big part of our lives. Sodium Hydroxide is a base used in many common things such as drain cleaners. It is also a component in lye soap and used commonly when processing food. It is also used as a buffering agent in many different personal care products such as fragrances, hair coloring products, skin care products and countless other things people use on a daily basis. is also used in the process of turning wood into paper by adding it to a mixture to help dissolve the properties of wood that are unwanted in paper.

First 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 contaminant to be completely wash out. Even if you think that you got all the contaminates out, call a physician immediately. 

Electrolysis
Sodium hydroxide is produced commercially by electrolysis, sending a direct current through an aqueous solution of sodium chloride. Hydrogen gas is released at the negative pole and chlorine gas is released at the positive pole. At the end of the electrolysis, the solution contains sodium hydroxide. The process is illustrated above:

2NaCl(aq) + 2H2O(l) -(electrolysis)-> H2(g) + Cl2(g) + 2NaOH(aq)