| Formula / Notation | NaOH |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 1310-73-2 |
| Molecular Weight | 39.997 |
| Melting Point | 604 °F (USCG, 1999) |
| Boiling Point | greater than 266 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999) |
| Density | 1.5 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Solubility | 111 % (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Appearance | Sodium hydroxide solution appears as a colorless liquid. More dense than water. Contact may severely irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Toxic by ingestion. Corrosive to metals and tissue. |
| Also Known As | 1310-73-2; Caustic soda; Sodium hydrate; Aetznatron; Soda lye; White caustic; Soda, caustic; Natriumhydroxid; Rohrputz; Plung |
| Category | Bases & Alkalis |
What is Sodium hydroxide?
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a base or alkali that appears as Sodium hydroxide solution appears as a colorless liquid. More dense than water. Contact may severely irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Toxic by ingestion. Corrosive to metals and tissue.. It has a molecular weight of 39.997 g/mol. Boiling point: greater than 266 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999). Melting point: 604 °F (USCG, 1999).
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: sodium hydroxide
Other Names / Synonyms: 1310-73-2; Caustic soda; Sodium hydrate; Aetznatron; Soda lye; White caustic; Soda, caustic; Natriumhydroxid; Rohrputz; Plung
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 604 °F (USCG, 1999) |
| Boiling Point | greater than 266 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999) |
| Density | 1.5 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink |
| Molecular Weight | 39.997 |
| Solubility | 111 % (NIOSH, 2024) |
| Appearance | Sodium hydroxide solution appears as a colorless liquid. More dense than water. Contact may severely irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Toxic by ingestion. Corrosive to metals and tissue. |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a base or alkali that appears as Sodium hydroxide solution appears as a colorless liquid. More dense than water. Contact may severely irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Toxic by ingestion. Corrosive to metals and tissue.. It has a molecular weight of 39.997 g/mol. Boiling point: greater than 266 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999). Melting point: 604 °F (USCG, 1999).
Used in chemical manufacturing, pH adjustment, saponification, water treatment, and as a laboratory reagent.
Corrosive or irritant. Causes burns to skin and eyes. Store away from acids. Wear protective gloves and goggles. Consult SDS before use.
The formula or notation for Sodium hydroxide is: NaOH