Manufacture of Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is prepared industrially by electrolysis of brine. During this electrolytic process, chlorine gas is liberated at the anodeAn anode is an electrode of a polarized electrical device through which conventional current enters the device. It is the positive part of electrolytes where oxidation takes place. More and hydrogen gas at the cathodeA cathode is the electrode from which a conventional current leaves the electrolyte. It is the negative part of the cell where reduction takes place. More. Sodium hydroxide solution is formed near the cathode.
Properties of NaOH
1. Sodium hydroxide is a white crystalline deliquescent solid.
2. It has the melting pointThe temperature at which a solid changes its state to liquid at atmospheric pressure is called the melting point of that liquid. The melting point is usually defined as the point... More of 318°C
3. It is stable towards heat
4. It is highly soluble in water and it dissolve exothermically.
5. It is also soluble in alcohol
6. Aqueous solutionA solution in which the solvent is water. is called an aqueous solution. It is mostly shown in chemical equations by appending (aq) to the relevant chemical formula. For example, a... More of sodium hydroxide is a strong alkaline because it dissociates completely in solution into Na+ and OH–
7. Sodium hydroxide is slippery to touch and has a bitter taste. It is corrosive when concentrated.
Uses of NaOH
1. In the manufacture of soap, paper, organic dyestuffs, and many other chemicals
2. In the refining of petroleum and vegetable oils
3. In the purification of bauxite for the extraction of aluminium
4. As a cleansing agent and in washing powder for machines, metal sheets etc.
5. As a reagent in the laboratory
6. In the preparation of soda lime
7. For absorbing CO2(g)
Responses