Chemical laboratory

Sodium Hydroxide Flakes

High-Purity Caustic Soda for Industrial Applications

  • CAS 1310-73-2
  • Formula NaOH
  • Flash Pt N/A °C
  • Density 2.13 g/cm³
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 1388°C °C
Flash point N/A °C
Density 2.13 g/cm³ g/cm³
Solubility 111 g/100 mL (20°C) -
Ph > 14 (1 M solution) -
Molecular weight 39.997 g/mol g/mol
Melting point 318°C °C
Vapor pressure N/A mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance White or nearly white flakes or crystalline solid -
Odor Odorless -
Vapor density N/A g/cm³

Overview

Sodium Hydroxide Flakes (NaOH), commonly known as caustic soda, are white or nearly white crystalline flakes that serve as one of the most versatile and essential chemicals in industrial processes. With a molecular weight of 39.997 g/mol and exceptional solubility in water (111 g/100 mL at 20°C), this highly alkaline compound creates solutions with pH values exceeding 14. The odorless flakes offer excellent handling characteristics while maintaining the powerful chemical properties required for demanding industrial applications.

Key Applications

  • Water Treatment: Essential for pH adjustment in municipal and industrial water systems, neutralizing acidic conditions and removing heavy metals through precipitation
  • Chemical Synthesis: Critical intermediate in manufacturing processes, serving as a strong base for organic and inorganic chemical reactions
  • Pulp and Paper Manufacturing: Removes lignin from wood fibers during the kraft pulping process, enabling high-quality paper production
  • Soap and Detergent Production: Fundamental component in saponification reactions, converting fats and oils into soap products

Safety & Handling

Sodium hydroxide flakes are highly caustic and require careful handling procedures. Flash point and autoignition temperature are not applicable due to the non-flammable nature of this compound. Personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing is mandatory when handling. Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas and have emergency eyewash stations readily available. The material is highly corrosive to skin, eyes, and respiratory systems, requiring immediate water flushing if contact occurs.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store sodium hydroxide flakes in tightly sealed, moisture-resistant containers away from acids, aluminum, zinc, and organic materials. The hygroscopic nature of this chemical requires protection from humidity to prevent caking and heat generation. Maintain storage temperatures below 40°C in dry, well-ventilated areas. When properly stored, the product maintains indefinite shelf life. Incompatible materials include acids, flammable liquids, and reactive metals that may generate hydrogen gas.

Why Alliance Chemical

Alliance Chemical delivers reliable Sodium Hydroxide Flakes with same-day shipping from our Taylor, Texas facility. We offer flexible delivery options including UPS for smaller quantities, LTL for standard orders, and FTL for bulk requirements. Every shipment includes comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA) to ensure compliance with your quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Shipping & Availability

Parcel Shipping

UPS Ground supports pints, quarts, and most 1-gallon packages nationwide.

LTL Freight

5-gallon pails, drums, and totes move via LTL carriers such as ABF Freight, SEFL, Saia, and XPO.

Full Truckload

FTL available for palletized bulk orders. Competitive freight rates.

Local Pickup

Same-day pickup at our Taylor, TX warehouse for Texas customers.

SDS, COA, and TDS available for every product • Same-day shipping on orders before 1 PM CT

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Available Sizes

Sodium Hydroxide Flakes - 1 Pack (2 lbs.)

1 Pack (2 lbs.)

$16.54

 Sodium Hydroxide Flakes - 1 Pack (4 lbs.)

1 Pack (4 lbs.)

$20.57

 Sodium Hydroxide Flakes - 1 Bag (55 lbs.)

1 Bag (55 lbs.)

$181.65
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is sodium hydroxide flakes (NaOH) and what are they used for?
Sodium hydroxide flakes (NaOH, CAS 1310-73-2) are a white, highly caustic, hygroscopic solid and a strong inorganic base. They are used across industry and laboratories for pH control, chemical synthesis, soap and detergent production, pulp and paper processing, alumina refining, and as a general-purpose alkali reagent.
How should sodium hydroxide flakes be stored and what is their shelf life?
Store flakes in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area in tightly sealed, corrosion‑resistant containers away from moisture and acids; polyethylene, polypropylene or lined containers are typical. If kept dry and sealed, NaOH flakes remain chemically stable for years, but check the supplier's certificate of analysis (COA) for lot‑specific shelf recommendations.
What are the safety and handling precautions for sodium hydroxide flakes?
NaOH flakes are corrosive and can cause severe skin, eye and respiratory irritation; use chemical‑resistant gloves, eye/face protection and dust control or respiratory protection as needed and ensure emergency eyewash and shower access. Avoid inhalation and contact, keep away from acids and incompatible metals, and consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for first‑aid and spill procedures.
How do different concentrations of sodium hydroxide solutions affect performance and risk?
Higher NaOH concentrations increase alkalinity, corrosivity and the heat released when dissolving the solid; concentration determines suitability for applications (e.g., cleaning, saponification, pH adjustment) and material compatibility. Always follow recommended dilution practices (add alkali to water slowly) and select materials and PPE appropriate for the planned concentration.
What documentation is available for sodium hydroxide flakes?
Suppliers typically provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and shipping documents; additional regulatory or quality certificates can be supplied on request. These documents list composition, impurity levels, handling instructions and regulatory classifications required for compliance.
How is sodium hydroxide flakes shipped and what packaging options exist?
Solid sodium hydroxide is classified as UN1823, corrosive Class 8 (Packing Group II) and must be shipped according to applicable ADR/IMDG/IATA regulations. Common packaging includes 25 kg paper or multiwall bags with inner liners, 50 kg drums, and bulk FIBCs (1‑tonne bags), with export packing and labeling per transport rules.
Which materials are compatible or incompatible with sodium hydroxide flakes?
NaOH is generally compatible with polyethylene, polypropylene and many stainless steels (e.g., 304/316) under typical conditions, while it attacks aluminum, zinc, tin, galvanized metals and some alloys, producing hydrogen. Compatibility depends on concentration and temperature, so verify with corrosion data for your specific conditions.
What technical specifications should I check when buying sodium hydroxide flakes?
Key specs include assay (NaOH %), moisture content, carbonate (Na2CO3) level, chloride/heavy metal impurities, particle size/bulk density and grade designation (technical, ISO, USP/ACS). Request the COA and SDS for each lot to confirm compliance with your process requirements.
Which industries and specific applications commonly use sodium hydroxide flakes?
Common industries include pulp and paper, textiles, soap and detergent, alumina refining, water and wastewater treatment, petroleum refining and metal cleaning; laboratory and analytical uses include reagent preparation and titration standards. Applications focus on pH control, saponification, delignification, caustic cleaning and chemical synthesis.
How can I purchase sodium hydroxide flakes and what affects availability and price?
Sodium hydroxide flakes are available from chemical manufacturers and distributors in various grades and pack sizes; order via sales representatives or online catalogs. Price and lead time depend on required purity, order quantity, packaging, regional shipping/regulatory requirements and current market conditions—request quotes and COAs from suppliers for procurement.

Documentation & Downloads

Safety Data Sheet
SDS / MSDS
Request COA
Certificate of Analysis
Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Available for all products

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