-
What it is. This sodium hydroxide is a 35% (w/w) aqueous solution supplied in a 1-gallon size. It is a clear, colorless, strongly alkaline liquid for laboratory and pilot-scale cleaning, digestion, pH control, and reagent preparation.
-
Concentration. Every 100 g of solution contains 35 g of sodium hydroxide. That places it between common 30% and 50% caustic strengths, delivering high alkalinity while staying liquid at lower temperatures than 50% solutions.
-
Chemical identity. Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda, CAS 1310-73-2, NaOH, 40.00 g/mol) is a strong base that dissociates completely in water. It neutralizes acids, saponifies fats and oils, and dissolves aluminum, zinc, and many organic residues.
-
Why buy a liquid concentrate. Dissolving solid sodium hydroxide releases a large amount of heat and creates caustic dust and spatter. A prepared solution removes that hazard, is easier to meter and pump, and gives consistent strength for dilution and dosing.
-
Laboratory uses. Labs use concentrated sodium hydroxide to prepare dilute bases, raise pH quickly in large volumes, digest organic samples, neutralize acid spills and waste, and run saponification and alkaline hydrolysis reactions.
-
Cleaning glassware and equipment. Strong caustic solutions remove grease, proteins, and stubborn organic residues from glassware and stainless steel equipment, though prolonged contact with hot caustic slowly etches glass.
-
Gallon size. The 1-gallon size suits laboratories and pilot plants that need concentrated caustic regularly but not at drum scale.
-
Carbon dioxide uptake. Like all hydroxide solutions, sodium hydroxide absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, forming sodium carbonate and slowly lowering effective alkalinity. Keep containers sealed between uses.
-
Handling at a glance. Concentrated sodium hydroxide causes severe burns that may not be immediately painful, and it is especially damaging to the eyes. Wear chemical splash goggles, a face shield, and alkali-resistant gloves, and keep an eyewash station and safety shower nearby.
-
Where it is used. Labs and pilot plants use 35% sodium hydroxide to prepare dilute bases, adjust pH, digest samples, clean equipment, neutralize acidic waste, and run alkaline reactions in chemical synthesis.
Technical Specifications
| Chemical Name |
Sodium hydroxide, aqueous solution |
| CAS Numbers |
1310-73-2 (sodium hydroxide); 7732-18-5 (water) |
| EC Number (NaOH) |
215-185-5 |
| Synonyms |
Caustic soda solution, lye solution, NaOH solution |
| Formula (active) |
NaOH |
| Molecular Weight (active) |
40.00 g/mol |
| Concentration |
35% (w/w) |
| Appearance |
Clear, colorless liquid |
| Water Solubility |
Miscible |
| Hazard Statements (typical NaOH solutions) |
H290 (corrosive to metals), H314 (severe burns) |
| DOT (typical) |
UN1824, Sodium hydroxide solution, Class 8 ( SDS) |
| Exposure Limit |
NIOSH REL 2 mg/m³ ceiling |
| Package Size |
1 gallon |
Applications / Common Uses
-
Dilute base preparation: Prepares working-strength NaOH solutions.
-
pH adjustment: Raises pH in large volumes.
-
Sample digestion: Digests organic matter in alkaline methods.
-
Equipment cleaning: Removes grease and organic residues.
-
Waste neutralization: Neutralizes acidic waste streams.
Storage, Handling & Shipping
Caution: Concentrated sodium hydroxide causes severe skin burns and eye damage and is corrosive to aluminum and zinc. Wear chemical splash goggles, a face shield, and alkali-resistant gloves, and always add base slowly to water when diluting.
Store tightly closed in a corrosives area for bases, separated from acids, reactive metals such as aluminum and zinc, and organic halogen compounds. Use secondary containment and keep containers sealed to limit carbon dioxide uptake.
-
Incompatible materials: Acids, aluminum, zinc, tin, and other reactive metals, and organic halogen compounds.
-
Exposure limit (NaOH): NIOSH REL 2 mg/m³ ceiling.
-
Spill response: Contain with inert absorbent, neutralize cautiously with a weak acid, and rinse with water.
-
First aid: Skin or eyes: flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
Related Categories & Services
Related Articles
