What is unique about sodium hydroxide?

At room temperature, sodium hydroxide is a white crystalline odorless solid that absorbs moisture from the air. It is a synthetically manufactured substance. When dissolved in water or neutralized with acid it releases substantial amounts of heat, which may prove sufficient to ignite combustible materials.

What is sodium hydroxide used for in everyday life?

Sodium hydroxide is used to produce soaps, rayon, paper, products that explode, dyes, and petroleum products. It can also be used in tasks such as processing cotton fabric, metal cleaning and processing, oxide coating, electroplating, and electrolytic extraction. It is often found in commercial drain and oven cleaners.

Is sodium hydroxide poisonous?

Sodium hydroxide does not produce systemic toxicity, but is very CORROSIVE and can cause severe burns in all tissues that it comes in contact with. Sodium hydroxide poses a particular threat to the eyes, since it can hydrolyze protein, leading to severe eye damage.

Is sodium hydroxide edible?

The sodium hydroxide in our products is food-grade and designated as safe for general use in food by the FDA1. Sodium hydroxide has been widely used in drinking water as a pH adjusting agent and is also used in food processing. It has a long history of safe use in these applications.

Is sodium hydroxide a metal?

Sodium hydroxide (Na OH), also known as lye or caustic soda, is a caustic metallic base. An alkali, caustic soda is widely used in many industries, mostly as a strong chemical base in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, and detergents.

Who discovered sodium hydroxide?

Sir Humphry Davy
Sodium was first isolated in 1807 by Sir Humphry Davy, who made it by the electrolysis of very dry molten sodium hydroxide, NaOH.

What is sodium hydroxide kids?

Sodium hydroxide is an alkali which is also known as caustic soda. Caustic means “burning” and caustic soda takes its name from the way it can burn the skin. It has the chemical formula of NaOH. It is a base, meaning it has a high pH.

Can you drink lye?

Health concerns. Lye water is a strongly alkaline (caustic) solution which can cause severe injury in the form of corrosive burns, especially to the throat, oesophagus and stomach if swallowed. Lye water can be dangerous if: accidentally swallowed straight from the bottle, which can burn your mouth, throat and stomach.

Is sodium hydroxide used in food?

Why is sodium hydroxide in lotion?

Sodium hydroxide is a highly alkaline ingredient that is used in small amounts in cosmetics and skincare products to establish and hold the pH of a product. Sodium hydroxide is used to saponify oils, meaning that it allows oils to lather and foam in soaps and cleansers.

What foods have sodium hydroxide?

Food uses of sodium hydroxide include washing or chemical peeling of fruits and vegetables, chocolate and cocoa processing, caramel coloring production, poultry scalding, soft drink processing, and thickening ice cream.