Sodium Hydroxide

NaOH

IUPAC: Sodium hydroxide

CAS: 1310-73-2

Overview

Sodium hydroxide (lye/caustic soda) is a strong base widely used in industry. It is highly caustic and can dissolve organic materials including skin and hair.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 1 1.0080
Oxygen O 1 15.9990
Sodium Na 1 22.9900

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×1
2.5%
O
Oxygen ×1
40.0%
Na
Sodium ×1
57.5%

Uses

  • • Soap making
  • • Paper production
  • • Drain cleaner
  • • Petroleum refining

Fun Facts

  • ✦ NaOH is used in the traditional process of making pretzels and lutefisk

Safety

  • ⚠ Highly corrosive
  • ⚠ Causes severe chemical burns
  • ⚠ Exothermic when dissolved

Structure

SMILES

[OH-].[Na+]

Properties

Type
base
State
solid
Molar Mass
40.00 g/mol
Density
2.1300 g/cm³
Melting Point
318.0 °C
Boiling Point
1388.0 °C
Solubility
1110 g/L at 20°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
39.9925
TPSA
1.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
1
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
2
Complexity
2.0

Related Compounds

Aluminum Hydroxide

Al(OH)₃

Ammonia

NH₃

Barium Hydroxide

Ba(OH)₂

Calcium Hydroxide

Ca(OH)₂

Lithium Hydroxide

LiOH

Magnesium Hydroxide

Mg(OH)₂

Potassium Hydroxide

KOH

Sodium Hydroxide Solution

NaOH(aq)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sodium Hydroxide?
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) is a base compound with the IUPAC name Sodium hydroxide.
What is the molecular weight of Sodium Hydroxide?
Sodium Hydroxide has a molar mass of 40.0 g/mol.
What state is Sodium Hydroxide at room temperature?
Sodium Hydroxide is a solid at room temperature.
Is Sodium Hydroxide organic or inorganic?
Sodium Hydroxide is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Sodium Hydroxide?
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Sodium (Na).