Sodium Hydroxide
What is sodium hydroxide?
Sodium hydroxide flake (also known as lye ash – caustic soda flake) is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH.
It is a white solid ionic compound consisting of sodium cations Na+ and hydroxide anions OH−. Sodium hydroxide is a popular strong base used in industry. Sodium hydroxide is used in the manufacture of sodium salts and detergents, pH regulation, and organic synthesis.
Other common uses of sodium hydroxide include:
for making soaps and detergents. Sodium hydroxide is used for hard bar soap, while potassium hydroxide is used for liquid soaps.
Sodium hydroxide is used more often than potassium hydroxide because it is cheaper and a smaller quantity is needed.
- as drain cleaners that convert pipe-clogging fats and grease into soap, which dissolves in water
- for making artificial textile fibers such as rayon
- in the manufacture of paper. Around 56% of sodium hydroxide produced is used by industry, 25% of which is used in the paper industry.
- in purifying bauxite ore from which aluminum metal is extracted. This is known as the Bayer process.
- de-greasing metals
- oil refining
- making dyes and bleaches
- in water treatment plants for pH regulation
- to treat bagels and pretzel dough, giving the distinctive shiny finish