Knowra Sodium hydroxide Sodium hydroxide Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is an ionic compound of sodium cations and hydroxide anions. It is a strong, highly caustic base that dissolves readily in water.
Dissociation (chemistry) : The separation of a compound into smaller particles, such as ions, often when it dissolves. In water, sodium hydroxide separates into sodium and hydroxide ions.
Chloralkali process : An industrial process that electrolyzes brine to produce chlorine, hydrogen, and sodium hydroxide. This is the principal industrial route for producing sodium hydroxide.
Sodium ion : The positively charged ion Na+, formed when a sodium atom loses one electron. Sodium ions pair with hydroxide ions to make sodium hydroxide electrically neutral.
Potassium hydroxide : An inorganic strong base, KOH, made of potassium cations and hydroxide anions. It is a closely related caustic alkali, often used where potassium salts are preferred.
Chemical burn : Tissue damage caused by contact with a corrosive chemical. Sodium hydroxide can cause deep burns by destroying tissue, especially in moist conditions.
Hydroxide ion : The negatively charged polyatomic ion OH−, a strong proton acceptor in water. Hydroxide ions account for sodium hydroxide’s basicity and many of its reactions.
Soap : A cleansing substance made chiefly of fatty-acid salts that can disperse oils in water. Sodium hydroxide converts fats and oils into the salts used in hard soap.
Ionic compound : A substance composed of positively and negatively charged ions held together by electrostatic attraction. Sodium hydroxide is an ionic solid made from oppositely charged ions.
Calcium hydroxide : An inorganic base, Ca(OH)₂, also known as slaked lime. It is a less soluble hydroxide base used in lime applications rather than as a readily soluble alkali.
Eye injury : Damage to the structures of the eye caused by trauma, disease, or chemical exposure. Even brief contact with sodium hydroxide can cause severe, permanent eye damage.
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