Sodium hydroxide formula - NaOH

What is the chemical formula for sodium hydroxide?

Sodium hydroxide is a strong chemical compound with the chemical formula (NaOH). It is also known as caustic soda (it is known in some Arab countries as Atruna), and it is used in many industries. Its solubility in water is very high and aqueous solutions reach large concentrations. Sodium hydroxide is the main source in the manufacture of table salt (sodium chloride).

Names

IUPAC name: Sodium hydroxide

Other names

·       Caustic soda

·       Lye

·       Ascarite

·       White caustic

·       Sodium hydrate

Sodium hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide, or better known as caustic soda or lye, is a strong chemical compound that is very versatile in uses, and is used in many areas in manufacturing processes. It has a very high water solubility, and table salt is the main source of its manufacture. The most important properties of sodium hydroxide are:

1.      It is a white solid compound.

2.     May have a caustic effect on the skin.

3.     It dissolves in water easily.

4.     It reacts with dilute acids to form sodium salt, acid, and water.

Health and industrial benefits of sodium hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide is used in the manufacture of many everyday products, such as:

1. Sodium hydroxide and detergents

Sodium hydroxide is used in the manufacture of a wide range of detergents and soaps. Chlorine bleach is produced by combining sodium hydroxide and chlorine. It is also used in cleaning products due to its ability to dissolve grease and pipe-clogging grease into soap and thus dissolve in water.

2, Sodium hydroxide in pharmacy and medicine

Sodium hydroxide is used in the manufacture of a variety of drugs and pharmaceutical products, such as common pain relievers such as aspirin, and it can also be used in the manufacture of anticoagulants that can help prevent blood clots or drugs that help lower cholesterol levels.

3. Sodium hydroxide and energy

Sodium hydroxide is used in the production of fuel, so that the cells in it, such as batteries, produce electricity with high efficiency, so it can be used in the field of transportation.

4. Sodium hydroxide and water treatment

Many water treatment facilities use sodium hydroxide to control the acidity of the water and remove heavy metals in it, and it is also used in the production of sodium hypochlorite, which is used as a water disinfectant.

5. Sodium hydroxide and food

Sodium hydroxide is used in many food processing applications, especially in the treatment of canned olives to preserve their viability, and is used to remove skins from tomatoes, potatoes and other vegetables and fruits used in canning, or as a preservative added to foodstuffs to prevent the formation of mold or bacteria in foods.

6. Sodium hydroxide in wood and paper products

Sodium hydroxide is used in the paper industry so that the wood is treated with a solution of sodium sulfide and sodium hydroxide, which dissolves all the unwanted solids in the wood and leaves pure cellulose to form the paper.

It is also used in the process of separating ink from paper, which allows the process of recycling used paper to produce new papers.

7. Sodium hydroxide in aluminum ore processing

Sodium hydroxide is used in extracting alumina from natural minerals, so that alumina is used in the manufacture of many metal products, such as: cooking utensils, barrels, and spare parts.

Safety measures when using sodium hydroxide

Safety precautions should be followed when using sodium hydroxide due to its hazardous effect on the body when in contact. It can lead to:

Chemical burns may be permanent if it comes into contact with human or animal tissues, so you must take the necessary measures when using it and wear rubber gloves.

Blindness upon contact with the eyes, so we advise you to put a protective eye on the eyes, i.e. wear safety goggles.

The process of dissolving solid sodium hydroxide is a highly heat-producing process that may burn or ignite some of the surrounding materials.