Sodium hydroxide, also called lye or caustic soda, is an important industrial chemical. It serves as the main ingredient in many commercial drain cleaners and oven cleaners. It is also used in the manufacture of soap and paper.
Sodium hydroxide is a solid, white material that readily absorbs moisture. It produces extremely corrosive solutions. Sodium hydroxide, both as a solid and in solution, can severely damage skin if it comes into contact with it. If splashed into eyes, sodium hydroxide solution can cause blindness in a few seconds.
Sodium hydroxide is produced from brine by electrolysis (see Electrolysis ). Its chemical formula is NaOH.
See also Alkali metal .
