Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda)

📚 Key Concepts

🔹 Real-Life Example

Sodium hydroxide is so reactive that it can cause severe burns on skin contact. It’s used in drain cleaners because it can dissolve hair, grease, and other organic matter. Soap manufacturers use it to convert fats and oils into soap through a process called saponification

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🧪 Properties and Uses

🔸 Physical Properties

  • White, deliquescent solid
  • Highly soluble in water
  • Generates heat when dissolved
  • Extremely caustic

🔸 Chemical Properties

  • Strong base (pH ~14)
  • Reacts vigorously with acids
  • Absorbs CO₂ from air
  • Reacts with metals like aluminum

🔸 Major Uses

  • Soap and detergent manufacturing
  • Paper and pulp industry
  • Textile industry (mercerizing cotton)
  • Petroleum refining
  • Food processing (cleaning equipment)

🔍 Advanced: Safety Measures

NaOH is highly corrosive and requires careful handling with protective equipment, proper ventilation, and emergency washing facilities.