Sodium Hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also called lye or caustic soda, is a highly corrosive, white solid used in soap making, drain cleaners, paper, and chemical manufacturing, known for its strong alkalinity, heat generation with water/acids, and ability to saponify fats, posing severe burn risks on contact but vital for pH control and industrial processes. It's produced industrially alongside chlorine and is essential for breaking down wood pulp, processing aluminum, and adjusting water acidity.