Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is a powerful and highly versatile chemical. In its pure form, it is a waxy, white solid that is extremely corrosive and readily dissolves in water to form a strong alkaline solution.
key properties
- Common Name: Caustic Soda
- Chemical Name: Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
- Appearance: Waxy, white solid that readily absorbs water.
Applications
- Cleaning Agents: A key component in the manufacturing of soaps, detergents, and drain cleaners.
- Industrial Processes: Used extensively in the pulp and paper industry, textile manufacturing, and water purification.
- Laboratory Use: Functions as a common reagent in chemical laboratories.
- Metal Processing: Utilised to extract aluminum by purifying bauxite.
Safety Precautions
- Highly Corrosive: Causes severe burns to the skin and eyes upon contact. Always wear full personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety goggles, face shield, and chemical-resistant gloves and clothing.
- Dangerous on Ingestion and Inhalation: Ingestion can cause severe burns to the mouth and throat, while inhaling dust or mist can irritate the respiratory tract.
- Exothermic Reaction: When mixing with water, always add the caustic soda slowly to the water while stirring. This prevents a violent exothermic (heat-generating) reaction that can cause splattering.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area in a tightly sealed container, away from acids and other incompatible materials.