Sodium Hydroxide
Product Name and Identification:
- Chemical Name: Sodium Hydroxide
- Alternate Names: Caustic Soda, Lye
- CAS #: 1310-73-2
Forms:
- Lye: A liquid solution, typically used in industrial and domestic cleaning.
- Flakes: Thin, flat pieces for easy dissolution in water.
- Pearls: Small, bead-like granules with slower dissolution for controlled applications.
Composition:
- Typically over 99% pure in solid forms (flakes and pearls).
- Lye is available in various concentrations, commonly 50% aqueous solution.
Hazard Identification and Classification:
- Classification: Corrosive (H314)
- Hazards:
- Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
- Reacts violently with water and acids, releasing heat.
Precautionary Statements:
- P280: Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and eye/face protection.
- P301+P330+P331: If swallowed, rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
- P305+P351+P338: If in eyes, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Handling and Storage:
- Store in a dry, well-ventilated area in tightly sealed containers.
- Avoid exposure to moisture or humidity, as it can absorb water from the air and become slippery.
- Keep away from acids, flammable materials, and organic substances.
General Uses:
- Industrial Applications:
- Manufacture of paper, textiles, detergents, and soaps.
- Used in water treatment for pH adjustment.
- Production of sodium salts and various chemicals.
- Domestic Uses:
- As a drain opener and oven cleaner.
- Soapmaking (in the lye form).
Physical and Chemical Properties:
- Appearance:
- Lye: Clear, colorless liquid.
- Flakes: Thin, white flat pieces.
- Pearls: Small, white bead-like granules.
- Odor: Odorless.
- Melting Point: 318 °C (solid forms).
- Boiling Point: 1,388 °C (solid forms).
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water, releasing heat during dissolution.
- pH: Extremely basic (~14 for a 1 M solution).
Transport Information:
- UN Number: 1823 (solid: flakes or pearls) / 1824 (solution: lye).
- Class: 8 (Corrosive substances).
- Packing Group: II.
