What is a Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)?

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), commonly known as caustic soda, is a highly alkaline inorganic compound that appears as a white or colorless solid. It is highly hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air and dissolves in water to form a strongly alkaline solution with a pH close to 14. Sodium hydroxide plays a crucial role in various industrial applications due to its strong alkalinity. It is primarily used in the production of soaps and detergents, where it reacts with fatty acids to form soap. Sodium hydroxide is also involved in the production of paper, dyes, plastics, metal cleaning, and water treatment processes. Due to its caustic nature, sodium hydroxide must be handled with care, as it can cause burns on contact with skin or eyes and respiratory damage if inhaled.

Additionally, sodium hydroxide is highly reactive in chemical reactions, such as neutralizing acids or causing metals like aluminum to dissolve and release hydrogen gas.

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