Sodium hydroxide

Chemical Properties

NaOH is a white, odorless, deliquescent material sold as pellets, flakes, lumps, or sticks. Aqueous solutions are known as soda lye

Potential Exposure

NaOH is utilized to neutralize acids and make sodium salts in petroleum refining, viscose rayon; cellophane, plastic production; and in the reclamation of solutions of their salts. It is used in the manufacture of mercerized cotton, paper, explosives, and dyestuffs in metal cleaning; electrolytic extraction of zinc; tin plating; oxide coating; laundering, bleaching, dishwashing; and it is used in the chemical industries.

Shipping

UN1823 NaOH, solid, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material. UN1824 NaOH, solution, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material

Incompatibilities

A strong base and a strong oxidizer. Violent reaction with acid. Incompatible with water; flammable liquids; organic halogens, nitromethane, and nitrocompounds, combustibles. Rapidly absorbs carbon dioxide and water from air. Contact with moisture or water may generate heat. Corrosive to metals. Contact with zinc, aluminum, tin and lead in the presence of moisture, forming explosive hydrogen gas. Attacks some forms of plastics, rubber or coatings.

Waste Disposal

Discharge into tank containing water, neutralize, then flush to sewer with water.

Raw materials

Preparation Products