Sodium hydroxide is a white, odorless, nonvolatile alkaline material marketed in solid form as pellets, flakes, clumps, or sticks.Its solubility in water is 111% by weight and a vapor pressure of 0mmHg (NIOSH, 1994).It can react with tricholoethylene (TCE) to form flammable dichloroacetylene and with metals to form hydrogen gas (OEHHA, 1993).
Its reactivity with metals should be considered in regards to storage units and containers.Sodium hydroxide is commonly available as an aqueous solution known as caustic soda, soda lye, or simple as lye. It has various uses, including neutralization of acid; the manufacture of paper, textiles, plastics, corrosives, dyestuffs, paint, paint remover and soap; refining of petroleum; electroplating; metal cleaning; laundering; and dish washing. A burgeoning use has been in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine.Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is one of the most useful industrial sodium compounds. It is also known as lye or caustic soda and is one of the strongest base alkalis (high pH value) on the household market. It is used as a drain and oven cleaner, and it saponifies fats in the manufacture of soap. It must be used with care because it is also capable of producing serious skin burns.