(Also known as Caustic Soda, Sodium Hydroxide, Soda Lye, NaOH or White Caustic)

Properties: White deliquescent solid in the form of tiny white pellets. Absorbs water and carbon dioxide from the air. Soluble in water, alcohol, and glycerol. Hazards: Corrosive to tissue in presence of moisture; strong irritant to tissue (eyes, skin, mucous membranes). Highly toxic by ingestion. Common Uses: Sodium Hydroxide is commonly used in the production of the following products: rayon, cellophane, pulp, paper, aluminum, detergents, soaps. It is also used for the following industrial processes: neutralizing agent in petroleum refining, vegetable oil refining, reclaiming rubber, regenerating ion exchange resins, peelings of fruits and vegetables in food industry, and as a laboratory reagent.