This reagent, the most common alkali, is better known as caustic soda or caustic soda (from French word sodium - sodium and Greek word kaustikos - caustic). Based on the name, it is clear that the substance is dangerous, so it must be handled with care. - colorless crystalline mass. The substance is capable of corroding not only materials of organic origin, but also certain metals, and upon contact with zinc, lead, aluminium, tin and their alloys, hydrogen, an explosive gas, is released. Do not allow caustic soda to come into contact with ammonia, this is a fire hazard.
Important features of sodium hydroxide
It is important to know them so that working with this reagent is safe and that its use will bring the expected results.
- - Like other alkalis, this chemical is a strong base, which is known to be highly soluble in water, which is accompanied by a strong release of heat.
- - Sodium hydroxide can literally dissolve when exposed to air, as it is incredibly hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from environment. This means that it must be stored in a tightly closed container and in a dry place. Sometimes it is stored as a solution in water, ethyl or methanol.
- - It is undesirable to place a hot solution or molten reagent in glass or porcelain containers - this can damage them, since the caustic reacts with the silica in their composition. It is better to buy a container made of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride or rubber for sodium hydroxide.
The main areas of application of caustic soda
- – Soap, paper and board, cosmetics, solvents, biodiesel and mineral oils.
- – Wood processing, neutralization of toxic gases and acids.
- – In medicine: removal of keratinized skin and papillomas, treatment of warts.
- - As a cleaner and disinfectant, in the chemical industry as a catalyst.
- - AT Food Industry, in particular for imparting a dark color and softness to olives, for obtaining a crisp on pastries, in the manufacture of cocoa.
Sodium hydroxide safety precautions
According to GOST 12.1.007-76, caustic soda belongs to the II class of toxicity (highly hazardous). May cause severe burns to the skin and mucous membranes, irreversible damage to vision if it gets into the eyes. That is why you need to work with it with gloves and goggles, use special clothes impregnated with vinyl or rubberized. 
If the substance gets on the mucous membrane, it should be washed as soon as possible with plenty of running water, the skin should be washed with a weak solution of vinegar.
With a large burn surface, if the reagent gets inside or into the eye, you should not only take these measures, but also immediately consult a doctor.
You can buy sodium hydroxide lye from our store and we hope you follow the safety precautions. The product is sold with delivery, so you can buy lye in Moscow or another city in Russia and get it in your city soon.
Introduction
You came to the store looking to buy unscented soap. Naturally, in order to understand which products from this range have a smell and which do not, you pick up each bottle of soap and read its composition and properties. Finally, they chose the right one, but while looking at the various compositions of the soap, they noticed a strange trend - on almost all the bottles it was written: "Soap contains sodium hydroxide in the structure." This is the standard history of most people's acquaintance with sodium hydroxide. Some half of the people will "spit and forget", and some will want to know more about him. So for them today I will tell you what kind of substance it is.
Definition
Sodium hydroxide (formula NaOH) is the most common alkali in the world. For reference: alkali is a base that is highly soluble in water.
Name
AT different sources it may be called sodium hydroxide, caustic soda, caustic, caustic soda, or caustic alkali. Although the name "caustic alkali" can be applied to all substances in this group. Only in the XVIII century they were given separate names. There is also an "inverted" name of the substance described now - sodium hydroxide, usually used in Ukrainian translations.
Properties
As I said, sodium hydroxide is highly soluble in water. If you put even a small piece of it in a glass of water, after a few seconds it will ignite and will “rush” and “jump” along its surface with a hiss (photo). And this will continue until he completely dissolves in it. If, after the completion of the reaction, you dip your hand into the resulting solution, it will be soapy to the touch. To find out how strong the alkali is, indicators are lowered into it - phenolphthalein or methyl orange. Phenolphthalein in it acquires a crimson color, and methyl orange - yellow. Sodium hydroxide, like all alkalis, contains hydroxide ions. The more of them in solution, the brighter color indicators and stronger alkali.
Receipt
There are two ways to obtain sodium hydroxide: chemical and electrochemical. Let's consider each of them in more detail.
Application
Pulp delignification, production of cardboard, paper, fibreboard and artificial fibers do not do without sodium hydroxide. And when it reacts with fats, soap, shampoos and others are obtained. detergents. In chemistry, it is used as a reactant or catalyst in many reactions. Sodium hydroxide is also known as food additive E524. And this is not all areas of its application.
Conclusion
Now you know everything about sodium hydroxide. As you can see, it brings a lot of benefits to a person - both in industry and in everyday life.
Among the Scandinavian peoples, lutefisk is traditionally served at the Christmas table. Literally, this name translates as "fish in alkali", which, in fact, accurately characterizes the dish. Lutefisk is a pre-dried fish that is kept in an alkaline solution for several days, then soaked in, fried and served. In this form, the fish acquires an unusual jelly-like texture. What's the secret? The fact that the Scandinavians prepare an alkaline solution from caustic soda - the very aggressive substance that in our country is more known as a means for effective cleansing sewer pipes. Probably, many now thought: “Oh, horror! How can they eat it? But it should surprise you even more. Most of us, if not daily, then regularly eat food containing caustic soda. It's just that in the food industry it hides under a different name - the additive E524.
general characteristics
The scientific name of the E524 additive is sodium hydroxide or caustic soda. This very aggressive substance of synthetic origin has no analogues in nature. Under natural conditions, it takes the form of white flakes or small soapy granules to the touch.
Nowadays, it is widely used in various branches of life, including medicine, pharmacology, and the food industry. AT agriculture, for example, caustic soda is used to check cowhide for impurities. This substance is used in the production different types household chemicals(the most popular - for cleaning water and sewer pipes). In cosmetology, caustic soda is added to shampoos, soaps, nail polish removers, creams, and also to products for getting rid of keratinized skin. In addition, sodium hydroxide is an indispensable substance in the oil refining, pulp and paper industry and in the production of diesel fuel.
In the food industry, sodium hydroxide is used to regulate acidity, as a stabilizer and emulsifier. Despite the very aggressive properties and an impressive list side effects, caustic soda is approved worldwide as a food additive.
Dangerous properties of caustic soda
Caustic soda is a rather dangerous substance. On contact with the skin and mucous membranes, deep and very painful wounds are formed. Contact of caustic soda with the eyes is very dangerous, as it causes atrophy of the optic nerve, which leads to blindness. If caustic soda powder is accidentally inhaled, an attack of severe coughing will begin, shortness of breath, a sore throat will appear, and even respiratory edema is possible. And one can only imagine what this substance is capable of doing with our internal organs. If you accidentally swallow caustic soda, severe pain and burning sensation will appear in the abdomen very quickly, anaphylactic shock is possible. At the slightest suspicion of sodium hydroxide poisoning, it is important to immediately call ambulance. Skin areas affected by caustic soda should be washed with a mild solution of boric or acetic acid, mucous membranes - clean water, eyes - first treat with a very weak solution boric acid and then water.
Although sodium hydroxide is used in the food industry in microdoses, side effects are possible with regular use of food containing E524.
What may contain
Food additive E524 can be contained in a variety of product groups in which it performs a variety of functions. Take at least jams and marmalades, which often contain sodium hydroxide. In this group of products, the additive plays the role of a regulator and stabilizer of the acidity level. If you add a certain amount of caustic soda to the dough for baking, then finished products get a nice golden crispy crust.
The most famous muffin made with caustic soda is German bagels. Black preserves get their dark color and characteristic texture also thanks to the addition of E524. In products made from, or other types of fats, sodium hydroxide accelerates the breakdown. This supplement also comes to the rescue when it is necessary to quickly and easily peel the fruit from the skin. To do this, fruits, berries or vegetables are simply treated with caustic soda. In addition, the acidity regulator E524 is used in the production of fermented milk products, various types of sweets.
Sodium hydroxide is dangerous chemical compound. And although in the food industry E524 is used in small doses, which usually do not pose a danger to humans, excessive caution does not hurt. If you are unwilling or unable to give up E-containing foods yourself, then try to at least minimize the number of "nuts" in the diet of young children. And for this, do not forget to check what it consists of before buying a product.
Sodium hydroxide is a substance that belongs to alkalis. It has other names: caustic soda, caustic, caustic soda, caustic alkali. It is a white solid that can absorb water vapor and carbon dioxide from the air. For example, if you leave sodium hydroxide in an uncovered jar, the substance will quickly absorb water vapor from the air and after a while turn into a shapeless mass. Therefore, sodium hydroxide is sold in sealed vacuum packaging.
It is also advisable not to store the crystals in glass, since sodium hydroxide can react with it and corrode it. When sodium hydroxide is dissolved in water, a large number of heat and the solution heats up.
When sodium hydroxide reacts with aluminum, sodium tetrahydroxoaluminate and hydrogen are formed. With the help of this reaction, hydrogen was obtained, which was used to fill airships and balloons.
2Al + 2NaOH + 6H₂O → 2Na + 3H₂
When sodium hydroxide reacts with phosphorus, sodium hypophosphite and phosphine (phosphorus hydride) are formed:
4P + 3NaOH + 3H₂O → PH₃ + 3NaH₂PO₂
In the interaction of sodium hydroxide with sulfur and halogens, a disproportionation reaction occurs. For example, with chlorine and sulfur, the reactions will proceed as follows:
3S + 6NaOH → Na₂SO₃ + 2Na₂S+ 3H₂O
3Cl₂ + 6NaOH → NaClO₃ +5 NaCl + 3H₂O (on heating)
Cl₂ + 2NaOH → NaClO + NaCl + H₂O (room temperature)
When caustic soda comes into contact with fats, an irreversible saponification reaction occurs, due to which shampoos, soaps and other products are produced.
When interacting with polyhydric alcohols, white crystalline substances are obtained that are readily soluble in water, which are called alcoholates:
HOCH₂CH₂OH + 2NаOH → NaOCH₂CH₂ONa + 2H₂O
Sodium hydroxide (food additive E524, caustic soda, sodium hydroxide, caustic soda) is a solid fused mass of yellowish or white color. According to its chemical properties, sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali.
General properties of sodium hydroxide
Caustic soda is usually available as a clear, colorless solution or as a paste.
Caustic soda is highly soluble in water, releasing heat. When interacting with air, this substance blurs, so it goes on sale in a hermetically sealed container. Under natural conditions, sodium hydroxide is part of the mineral brucite. The boiling point of sodium hydroxide is 1390 °C, the melting point is 322 °C.
Obtaining sodium hydroxide
In 1787, the physician Nicolas Leblanc developed a convenient method for obtaining sodium hydroxide from sodium chloride. Later, the Leblanc method was superseded by the electrolytic method for producing caustic soda. In 1882, a ferritic method for producing sodium hydroxide was developed, based on the use of soda ash.
Currently, sodium hydroxide is most often produced by electrolysis. saline solutions. The ferritic method for producing caustic soda is now rarely used.
Application of sodium hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is an incredibly popular and widely used chemical compound. About seventy million tons of caustic soda are produced annually.
Caustic soda is used in the pharmaceutical, chemical, food, cosmetic and textile industries. Caustic soda is used in the manufacture of synthetic phenol, glycerin, organic dyes, medicines. This compound can neutralize airborne components harmful to the human body. Therefore, sodium hydroxide solutions are often used for disinfection of premises.
In the food industry, sodium hydroxide is used as an acidity regulator to prevent clumping and caking. Food additive E524 maintains the necessary consistency of products in the production of margarine, chocolate, ice cream, butter, caramel, jelly, jam.
Bakery products are treated with a solution of caustic soda before baking to obtain a dark brown crispy crust. In addition, the food additive E524 is used for refining vegetable oil.
The harm of sodium hydroxide
Caustic soda is a toxic substance that destroys the mucous membrane and skin. Sodium hydroxide burns heal very slowly, leaving scars. Contact with the eye most often results in loss of vision. If alkali gets on the skin, rinse the affected area with a stream of water. When ingested, caustic soda causes burns of the larynx, oral cavity, stomach and esophagus.
All work with sodium hydroxide should be carried out in goggles and overalls.