Sodium hydroxide, or caustic soda - inorganic compound, which belongs to a class of bases, or hydroxides.Also in the art and abroad the substance called caustic soda.Common name - caustic soda - it was due to its strong corrosive action.
This crystalline solid white hygroscopic, melts at a temperature of 328 degrees.Sodium hydroxide is easily soluble in water and is a strong electrolyte.Dissociation decomposes to the metal cation and hydroxide ions.
When dissolved in water forms the active compound - alkali - soapy to the touch.This reaction proceeds very rapidly - with a spray and heat.It hit the alkali on the skin and mucous membranes causes severe burns, therefore at work it is necessary to be careful and protect your hands and eyes.After contact of the substance on the epithelium or the eyes, mouth, must be affected area as soon as possible and washed with water with a weak solution of acetic (2%) or boron (3%) of the acid, and then again with water.After emergency assistance to victims need to see a doctor.
Sodium hydroxide (chemical formula of the compound - NaOH, struturnaya - Na-OH) - a chemically active substance, which can react with both inorganic and organic substances.Discover it in aqueous solutions help high-quality response to the hydroxide ion with a variety of indicators.For example, a litmus indicator turns dark blue, methyl orange - yellow, and phenolphthalein - raspberry, with the intensity of the color depends on the concentration of alkali.
Gidrksid sodium enter into such reactions:
1. neutralization with acids, acid oxides and amphoteric compounds.The result of this reaction is the formation of water and salts gidroksokompleka or - in the case of reaction with bases and amphoteric oxides;
2. exchange with salts;
3. metals, which are up hydrogen in a series of Beketov and have a low potential elektorhimichesky;
4. with non-metals and halogens;
4. hydrolysis esters;
5. fats saponification (soap formed and glycerol);
6. interaction with alcohols (alkoxides produced substances).
also in the form of molten sodium hydroxide is able to destroy the china and glass, and the presence of oxygen - a noble metal (platinum).
Sodium hydroxide can be obtained by such methods:
- electrolysis of aqueous NaCl (diaphragm and membrane method),
- chemical (lime and ferrite method).
In recent years, the most commonly used methods based on electrolysis, asthey are more profitable.
Caustic soda is very popular and is used in many industries - cosmetic, pulp and paper, chemical, textile, food.It is used as an additive E-524, for degassing space and obtaining biodiesel.
Thus, sodium hydroxide - is alkaline, which has been widely used in various sectors of human activities due to their reactive nature.
