UPSC » UPSC CSE Study Materials » Chemistry » A Simple Guide to the Properties of Sodium Hydroxide

A Simple Guide to the Properties of Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide is a chemical that is essentially also known as a caustic soda and lye. It is an inorganic compound that is represented by the formula NaOH. Caustic soda is used in very large quantities in more than the biggest industries. This is a powerful chemical base in the manufacture of textiles, drinking, detergents, water, pulp, paper, etc. It has too many chemical and physical properties. Apart from this, it is a potentially very dangerous substance, especially for human skin. It causes too many issues. It is considered safe if you are using it for general use and in small quantities. 

Sodium Hydroxide

The meaning of Sodium Hydroxide is that it is used to make up the various daily use products and presents with the formula of NaOH. It is also named Caustic soda and lye. So, the general meaning of Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a chemical that is used as lye and like a caustic soda. It has a caustic metallic base. It is like salt, which is used for caustic soda. Caustic soda is a type of Sodium Hydroxide. It is mostly used in multifarious industries, especially as a powerful chemical base.

By using it, the various industries produce textiles, drinking water, pulp and paper, and detergents. Around 1998, the Sodium Hydroxide products worldwide production was approximately 45 million tonnes. Apart from this, Sodium hydroxide is likewise the most common base that is used in chemical laboratories. It is capable of experimentation for quite a number of actions. It is called a Qualitative Inorganic Analysis. It has too many chemical and physical properties as well as it is also used to provide alkaline mediums for more reactions that require it, like the Biuret test.

General Properties of Sodium Hydroxide

Below are the following physical properties of sodium hydroxide. If you wish to know about them, let’s know here.

  • The sodium hydroxide Chemical formula is NaOH.
  • Its other property is Molecular weight, and it is approx 40.01.
  • The synonyms which are used for sodium hydroxide are White caustic, soda lye, lye, and caustic soda. 
  • The CAS number of this property is 1310–73–2, and the Melting point is 318. 4°C. 
  • Moreover, the boiling point of this sodium hydroxide is 1390°C, and the Specific gravity is 2.13. 
  • The Solubility is Soluble in water, insoluble in acetone and ether, and in ethanol and glycerol. 
  • Also, its general characteristic is that it is a White deliquescent solid.  It is available in granules, flakes, pellets, and 50% soaked resolution. 
  • It readily immerses carbon dioxide in the air and is also delicious. Thus, it must be kept in an airtight container.  
  • Besides this, it is soluble in water with the emancipation of heat. The sodium hydroxide is dissolved in methanol and ethanol, though it shows more inferior solubility in following solvents than accomplishes potassium hydroxide.
  • It is insoluble in different non-contrasting solvents and ether. Also, its resolution shall leave a yellow stain on paper and fabric. 

Chemical Properties of Sodium Hydroxide

Following are the properties of the sodium hydroxide chemical it is given below. You can know all its chemical properties from here. It is such as:

  • Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is thoroughly ionic, consisting of hydroxide and sodium ions. So, the hydroxide ions produce the sodium hydroxide then a most powerful base reacts with water and acids, like salt. The sodium chloride and  hydrochloric acid are formed as:

NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)

  • It is represented with a simple net ionic equation, and it is a neutralization reaction:

OH(aq) + H(aq) → H2O

  • In this property, when any applying action has released the heat at this time, the powerful acid is used. The reaction of sodium hydroxide with acidic oxides is:

2NaOH + CO2 → Na2CO3 + H2

  • In this property, the NaOH slowly reacts with stopcocks exposed and glass to form sodium silicate,  so that it is:

2Al(s) + 6NaOH(aq) → 3H2(g) + 2Na3AlO3(aq)

is also a chemical property of sodium hydroxide. 

  • The Last property of this hydroxide or NaOH is reacting readily with carboxylic acids to form their salts, and it is:

6NaOH(aq) + Al2(SO4)3(aq) → 2Al(OH)3(s) + 3Na2SO4(aq)

So, these are the specifications, or a simple guide is aforementioned of the sodium hydroxide. You know about its chemical and general properties from above. 

Conclusion

Consequently, the following simple guide is given for the sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide is a chemical that is essentially known as caustic soda and lye. It is an inorganic combination that is made up of the formula NaOH. Apart from this, Caustic soda is thoroughly used in more than industries. This chemical is a powerful chemical base in the manufacture of textiles, drinking water, detergents, pulp, paper, etc. It is a white solid ionic compound including sodium cations hydroxide anions OH and Na+.

If you want to know any information about its chemical properties and other pertinent information about it, then you can get it from above.

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

Did you know about the use of Sodium Hydroxide?

Yes, the use of Sodium Hydroxide is to make rayon, soap, paper, and more products that dyes, petroleum, and exploded...Read full

Is Sodium Hydroxide dangerous for humans?

Yes, it is a potentially harmful substance for humans. If it touches your skin even a little bit, then it causes a l...Read full

Why is Sodium Hydroxide not safe?

Ordinarily, sodium hydroxide is dangerous when you use it at higher con...Read full

What happens if you get it on your skin?

It affects skin contact with corrosive. It can cause hurt, redness, blistering, and burns. Enduring scarring can res...Read full