Sodium hydroxide

NaOH

SODIUM HYDROXIDE is a highly caustic substance that is used to neutralize acids and make sodium salts. (From Merck Index, 11th ed).

Sodium hydroxide is widely used in the manufacture of soaps, paper, rayon, cellophane, mercerized cotton, aluminum, and many chemicals. It is also used in petroleum refining, degreasing, etching, zinc extraction, tin plating, oxide coating, and food processing (for peeling fruits and vegetables). In concentrated form, it is used as a drain cleaner. Sodium hydroxide has been used in the management of pleural effusions.