| There are several things one has to remember | | | | dissolution process and a quicker distribution of |
| when working with substances such as sodium | | | | heat throughout the mixture. It is best to use cold |
| hydroxide, a strong base whose chemical formula | | | | water for this purpose. Remember this procedure |
| is written as NaOH. This alkaline is famous in | | | | is also done with concentrated acids. It is |
| industries due to its pH control purposes, being | | | | necessary to wear special clothing and protective |
| able to neutralize acids and acidic oxides with | | | | gloves while doing this procedure. Never pour |
| great efficiency. Lye or caustic soda, as it is | | | | water into a concentrated solution of this alkaline. |
| commonly known, is used in manufacture of | | | | Remember also that even dilute solutions of |
| soaps and detergents, as well as many cleaning | | | | NaOH may still cause irritation and corrosion. |
| liquids. It is also found in processing of cotton, | | | | The alkaline is odorless, even in aqueous solutions. |
| metals like aluminum, textile, paper, and pulp. This | | | | This means that you may not immediately notice |
| ionic compound dissociates completely into sodium | | | | your exposure until after irritation occurs. Thus, |
| ions and hydroxide ions in aqueous solutions. | | | | you may already be dangerously in contact with |
| This substance has never been found to be | | | | the alkaline without ever noticing it. This should |
| flammable, nor is it combustible. But since it forms | | | | prompt for extra caution when working with the |
| extremely exothermic solutions with water, for | | | | chemical. |
| instance, it is capable of releasing enough heat to | | | | The extreme corrosiveness and reactivity of this |
| burn combustible materials nearby when mixed | | | | substance warrants workers with high chances of |
| with water. It also reacts with amphoteric | | | | coming in contact with this compound as well as |
| transition metals like aluminum, tin and zinc. Typical | | | | to check engineering controls in the area they are |
| reactions of sodium hydroxide with metals like the | | | | working in. Safety equipment and protective |
| ones mentioned liberated hydrogen gas, which | | | | gears and clothing must be available at all times. It |
| ignites in the presence of oxygen. | | | | is a basic rule to follow hygiene guidelines. |
| Storage of this compound may involve tight | | | | Workers who are constantly running the risk of |
| sealing of its containers as it reacts with acidic | | | | exposure with this chemical must be educated |
| oxides present in the air. For instance, it strips | | | | and informed about its properties and its health |
| away carbon dioxide in the air. Carbon dioxide is a | | | | hazards. Furthermore, they must be trained in |
| natural acidic anhydride and reacts with the said | | | | handling the chemical carefully. |
| alkaline to form salt called sodium carbonate. | | | | Proper ventilation must be present in working |
| Since this alkaline has a lower heat capacity than | | | | areas. Should leaks and spillage be seen in |
| water, it easily transfers heat to the surroundings. | | | | containments, immediately report this problem. |
| For instance, mixing it with water causes | | | | Before carrying and transporting containers check |
| dangerous heat buildup that can cause the | | | | for leaks and damage. |
| mixture to splatter and send sprays of sodium | | | | There are several materials that must be kept |
| hydroxide everywhere. Pouring water onto the | | | | away from this substance. Never place strong |
| solid form of this alkaline can cause a violent | | | | acids with the base, let alone mix them together. |
| reaction that sends NaOH-containing aerosol into | | | | NaOH should not come in contact with |
| the air. Keeping in mind that the substance is a | | | | nitroaromatic, nitroparaffinic or organohalogen |
| known eye, skin and respiratory irritant, such | | | | compounds. As mentioned earlier the alkaline |
| practices are extremely hazardous. In addition, the | | | | reacts with metals like aluminum, tin and zinc. |
| extreme heat liberated during the mixing can be | | | | Thus, it must not be transported in aluminum |
| enough to destroy the container and cause | | | | containers, for instance, as this may result to |
| spillage. Thus, it is necessary to note the safe | | | | liberation of combustible hydrogen gas and |
| way of diluting the alkaline. The safer way is to | | | | damage to the aluminum container. Furthermore, |
| slowly introduce the substance to water. This | | | | it also reacts with glass. Hence, glass containers |
| way, the release of tremendous heat is avoided. | | | | are not suitable for prolonged storage of the |
| While pouring a concentrated NaOH into the | | | | compound. |
| water, gently stir the mixture to allow a quicker | | | | |