Sodium hydroxide Chemical Properties

Safety Information

Sodium hydroxide has a broad range of applications. In chemical experiments, it serves not only as a reagent but also as an alkaline desiccant due to its strong hygroscopic properties. Caustic soda plays a vital role in the national economy, with numerous industrial sectors relying on it. The largest consumer is the chemical manufacturing industry, followed by paper production, aluminum and tungsten smelting, viscose fiber manufacturing, and soap production. It is also used in the manufacture of dyes, plastics, pharmaceuticals, organic intermediates, reclaimed rubber, metal sodium electrolysis, water treatment, and inorganic salt production such as borax, chromium salts, manganates, and phosphates.

Industrial sodium hydroxide must meet the requirements of national standard GB209-2006;
Industrial ion-exchange membrane sodium hydroxide should comply with GB/T11199-89;
Sodium hydroxide for chemical fiber should meet GB11212-89;
Food-grade sodium hydroxide must conform to GB5175-85.

In industrial contexts, sodium hydroxide is commonly referred to as caustic soda, a name derived from its ability to cause severe skin burns upon contact with concentrated solutions. It dissolves proteins, making alkali burns slower to heal than acid burns. A 0.02% solution instilled into rabbit eyes can damage the corneal epithelium. Toxicity data include: mouse intraperitoneal LD50 of 40 mg/kg and rabbit oral LDLo of 500 mg/kg. Dust can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, corrode the nasal septum, and damage skin—especially mucous membranes—producing soft scabs that may penetrate deeply and leave permanent scars.