Model: USA Only

Sodium Hydroxide

$5.50

Sodium Hydroxide
chemical formula: NaOH
( pellets )
Sodium Hydroxide (also known as Lye or Caustic Soda) forms a strongly alkaline solution when dissolved in water, Sodium Hydroxide is widely used in many industries, mostly as a strong chemical base in the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, drinking water, soaps and detergents. It is highly corrosive, and extreme care is required in its use. Solutions of it can cause severe burns on any part of the body exposed. Sodium hydroxide has also been used with Zinc metal for creation of the famous "Gold pennies" experiment. When a penny is boiled in a solution of Sodium Hydroxide together with some granular Zinc metal, the color of the penny will turn silver in about 45 seconds. The penny is then held in the flame of a propane or Bunsen burner for a few seconds and it turns golden (the Zinc and Copper from the penny form Brass, giving it the gold color).
Caution: Sodium Hydroxide is toxic & corrosive. Use normal safety precautions (wear a filter mask/respirator and gloves) when working with Sodium Hydroxide.