Sodium Hydroxide

Caustic Soda

NaOH

Off-white solid, easily soluble in water.

Co-produced in the electrolysis of sodium chloride, together with chlorine and hydrogen, in an aqueous solution, in the so-called chlor-alkali process.

pH adjustment, production of biodiesel from vegetable oils, bottle cleaning, flotation (pulp and paper industry), alumina extraction (aluminum industry), cotton mercerization (textile industry), tanning leather, peeling vegetables, manufacturing chemicals (intermediate use), regenerating resins or softening water. Consumers use it to strip metals or unclog plumbing.

There is evidence of its use in ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptian one, that were naturally unaware of what it was about. The scientific identification took place in 1807, following Humphrey Davy's discovery of the element sodium.

In bulk, at concentrations of 32% and 50%.