Sodium hydroxide

Sodium Hydroxide (pronunciation: /ˈsoʊdiəm haɪˈdraɪd/), also known as Lye or Caustic Soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH. It is a white solid ionic compound consisting of sodium cations Na⁺ and hydroxide anions OH⁻.

Etymology

The term "Sodium" originates from the English word "soda". The term "Hydroxide" is derived from the Greek words 'hydro' meaning water and 'oxide' meaning to give off, referring to the compound's ability to produce water when reacted with an acid.

Chemical Properties

Sodium Hydroxide is a highly caustic base and alkali that decomposes proteins at ordinary ambient temperatures and may cause severe chemical burns. It is highly soluble in water, and readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air.

Medical Uses

In medicine, Sodium Hydroxide is often used in the process of tissue digestion. This is used to dissolve unwanted or necrotic tissue, or for the chemical digestion of animal or plant tissue samples. In a similar fashion, it is also used in the process of saponification, the process of making soap.

Safety

Due to its caustic nature, Sodium Hydroxide should be handled with care. It can cause chemical burns, permanent injury or scarring, and blindness. Safety measures should be taken to prevent such injuries.

Related Terms

• Base (chemistry)
• Alkali
• pH
• Saponification
• Tissue digestion

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Sodium hydroxide
• Wikipedia's article - Sodium hydroxide

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