Also called Caustic Soda and substitutes for Red Devil Lye, sodium hydroxide is a white deliquescent solid soluble in water, alcohol and glycerol. It has uses in multiple manufacturing processes.
In the lab, sodium hydroxide is often used as a base for titrations, a method of determining the concentration of an acidic solution by slowly adding a base until the acid is neutralized. It can also be used to adjust the pH of a solution, dissolve certain types of organic compounds, and prepare certain types of compounds.
Sodium hydroxide is essential in soap production because it helps convert fats and oils into soap through a process called saponification. Saponification is a chemical reaction in which sodium hydroxide reacts with fats and oils to create both soap and glycerol.
For shipping, Sodium Hydroxide is in hazardous materials Class 8: Corrosive Substances. It only ships to destinations within the 48 contiguous US states using Standard Ground. A HazMat fee applies to this 2.5 kg size. Adult signature required upon delivery. Shipping to a commercial address is suggested. Smaller 500g size has less restrictions.