Chemical Name: Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Oxidanide, Caustic Soda, Caustic, White Caustic, Sodium Hydrate
Chemical Formula: NaOH
CAS Number: 1310-73-2
Appearance: White, waxy, opaque crystals
Packaging Type: Jute sack, Bulk
definition
At room temperature, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a white, crystalline, odorless solid that absorbs moisture from the air. It is a synthetically produced substance.
Sodium hydroxide solution appears as a colorless liquid.
It is much denser than water.
usage area
In the textile industry, sodium hydroxide solution is preferred for the production of viscose and viscose staple fiber. The sodium hydroxide solution used must contain only trace amounts of chloride ions (rayon grade).
The surface of cotton can be further developed and improved by processing with sodium hydroxide solution (mercerization).
In the food sector, sodium hydroxide is used to degrease, clean, and peel potatoes.
In the field of organic chemistry, sodium hydroxide is used for saponification reactions, obtaining nucleophilic-anionic intermediates, etherification and esterification, basic catalysis, and the production of free organic bases. Sodium hydroxide solution is used to clean waste gases and neutralize wastewater.
Caustic is a term used to refer to alkaline compounds such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH), which are chemical substances. Caustic is generally classified as a strong base and is used in the chemical industry, cleaning products, soap making, and many other applications.
- Cleaning: Caustic helps dissolve oils and dirt. It is therefore commonly found in cleaning products. It is especially used in oven cleaners and toilet cleaners.
- Soap Making: Caustic used in soap making is used to convert oils and liquids into soap. When caustic and oil are mixed, a chemical reaction occurs and soap is formed.
- Food Processing: Caustic is used in some food processing operations. For example, it can be used to peel the skins of fruits and vegetables or to sterilize certain food products.
- Paper and Pulp Industry: Caustic is used in the production of paper pulp and the separation of cellulose.
- Aluminum Production: Caustic is used for aluminum production. This process is important for converting bauxite ore into aluminum oxide.