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.
Sodium hydroxide plays a role in the preparation and maintenance of welding equipment and materials. Its strong base properties make it effective for cleaning, flux preparation, and material treatment.
For shipping, Sodium Hydroxide is in hazardous materials Class 8: Corrosive Substances. It only ships to destinations within the 48 contiguous US states and Canada using Standard Ground by FedEx or UPS • No air deliveries allowed • Customers in Canada should expect additional duties, taxes, and customs clearance service fees due upon delivery.