Sodium hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide (CAS 1310-73-2), also known as caustic soda, is a highly corrosive inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaOH. It is a white solid, typically supplied as pellets, and readily dissolves in water. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base and a crucial industrial chemical used in manufacturing pulp and paper, textiles, soaps and detergents, and in petroleum refining. It also finds application in water treatment and as a laboratory reagent.
- IUPAC
- ‘Caustic soda’
- Synonyms
- Caustic sodaLyeSodium hydrateAscariteSodium hydroxide pelletsCaustic soda pelletsSodium hydroxide solution
Chemical Manufacturing
Sodium hydroxide is a fundamental feedstock in the synthesis of numerous organic and inorganic chemicals. It is vital for producing sodium salts, pH regulation, and as a catalyst or reactant in various chemical processes.
Pulp and Paper Industry
It is extensively used in the Kraft process for pulping wood. Sodium hydroxide helps to break down lignin in wood chips, separating the cellulose fibres required for papermaking.
Soap and Detergent Production
As a strong alkali, sodium hydroxide is essential for the saponification of fats and oils, a process that creates soap. It is also used in the manufacture of synthetic detergents.
Water Treatment
Sodium hydroxide is employed to control water acidity and to help remove heavy metals from water. It is used in both municipal and industrial water purification processes.
Petroleum Refining
In petroleum refining, sodium hydroxide is used to remove acidic impurities, such as hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans, from hydrocarbon streams.
| Molecular weight | 40.00 |
|---|---|
| Linear formula | NaOH |
| Assay | ≥98% |
| Grade | puriss. p.a. |
| Form | pellets |
| Density | 1.515 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Solubility | H2O: soluble1 M, clear, colorless |
| Melting point | 318 °C(lit.) |
| Concentration | 1 M NaOH (1N) |
| Vapour pressure | 3 mmHg (37 °C) |
| Vapour density | >1 (vs air) |
| Impurities tested | ≤0.0003% total nitrogen (N)≤0.0005% heavy metals (as Pb)≤1% Na2CO3 |
Hazard statements
- H290May be corrosive to metals
- H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Precautionary statements
- P280Wear protective gloves, clothing and eye/face protection
- P305IF IN EYES
- P310Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor
| Protective equipment | Eyeshields, Faceshields, full-face particle respirator type N100 (US), Gloves, respirator cartridge type N100 (US), type P1 (EN143) respirator filter, type P3 (EN 143) respirator cartridges |
|---|---|
| Transport (UN / ADR) | UN 1823 8 / PGII |
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 1 |
| Hazard codes (EU) | C |
| Risk statements (R) | 35 |
| Safety statements (S) | 26-37/39-45 |
| Cation traces | Al: ≤5 mg/kgAs: ≤1 mg/kgCa: ≤5 mg/kgCu: ≤5 mg/kgFe: ≤5 mg/kgHg: ≤0.05 mg/kgK: ≤200 mg/kgMg: ≤5 mg/kgNi: ≤5 mg/kgPb: ≤2 mg/kgZn: ≤5 mg/kg |
| Anion traces | chloride (Cl-): ≤5 mg/kgphosphate (PO43-): ≤5 mg/kgsilicate (as SiO2): ≤10 mg/kgsulfate (SO42-): ≤30 mg/kg |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
| Shelf Life | (limited shelf life) |
|---|---|
| Uv Absorption | λ: 260 nm Amax: ≤0.08λ: 280 nm Amax: ≤0.05 |
Documentation
Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, identity and purity; the grade is confirmed against your enquiry. Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets are available on request.
Supply & logistics
Samples for technical evaluation; bulk MOQ by grade and packaging. In-stock material ships in 7–10 working days, worldwide, with full export documentation.
What is Sodium hydroxide used for?
+
Sodium hydroxide is used in chemical manufacturing, pulp and paper production, soap and detergent manufacturing, water treatment, and petroleum refining. It is also a common laboratory reagent.
What are the CAS number and chemical formula for Sodium hydroxide?
+
The CAS number for Sodium hydroxide is 1310-73-2, and its chemical formula is NaOH.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
+
Tech Serve Solutions supplies Sodium hydroxide in 'puriss. p.a.' grade with an assay of ≥98%. We do not represent this product as USP, BP, or EP grade.
How should Sodium hydroxide be handled safely?
+
Sodium hydroxide is corrosive and causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314). Handle with appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, eyeshields, and face shields. Ensure good ventilation and avoid inhalation of dust. In case of contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention (P280-P305 + P351 + P338-P310).
How is Sodium hydroxide packaged, shipped, and exported?
+
Sodium hydroxide is available in various forms, including pellets, and is shipped according to international regulations for hazardous materials. Tech Serve Solutions is a specialist global supplier and exporter.
How can I request a sample or a quote for Sodium hydroxide?
+
To request a sample or a quote for Sodium hydroxide, please contact our sales department through the TSS website or by phone.
▶ Related products
5-Sulfosalicylic acid dihydrate
HO3SC6H3-2-(OH)CO2H 2H2O
Acids & Bases
Calcium hydroxide
Ca(OH)2
Acids & Bases
Acetic acid-12C2
12CH312CO2H
Acids & Bases
Acetic acid-13C2
13CH313CO2H
Acids & Bases
Acetic acid-13C2,d4
Acids & Bases
Acetic acid-17O2
CH3C17O2H
Acids & Bases
Acetic acid-18O2
CH3C18O2H
Acids & Bases
Acetic acid-2,2,2-d3
2-d3
Acids & Bases▶ Explore more
3-Methyl-1,5-di-p-tolyl-1,4-pentazadiene
Chemical Synthesis
3-Methyl-1,5-pentanediol
Chemical Synthesis
3-Methyl-1-(2-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-amine
C11H13N3
Chemical Synthesis
3-Methyl-1-(3′-sulfoamidophenyl)-5-pyrazolone
C10H11N3O3S
Chemical Synthesis