Chemical laboratory

Sodium Hydroxide Solution

Industrial-Grade Caustic Solution for Manufacturing Applications

  • CAS 1310-73-2
  • Formula NaOH(aq)
  • Flash Pt N/A °C
  • Density 1.52 g/cm³ (50% solution)
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Physical & Chemical Properties

Property Value Unit
Boiling point 145 °C (50% solution) °C
Flash point N/A °C
Density 1.52 g/cm³ (50% solution) g/cm³
Solubility Very soluble in water -
Ph > 14 -
Molecular weight 40.00 g/mol g/mol
Melting point 12 °C (50% solution) °C
Vapor pressure N/A mmHg
Autoignition temp N/A -
Appearance Clear, colorless to slightly turbid liquid -
Odor Odorless -
Vapor density N/A g/cm³

Overview

Sodium Hydroxide Solution (NaOH) is a highly alkaline, clear to slightly turbid liquid that serves as one of the most important industrial chemicals in manufacturing processes. With a pH greater than 14 and excellent water solubility, this caustic solution provides powerful base chemistry for neutralization, synthesis, and processing applications across diverse industries. The 50% solution offers optimal handling characteristics while maintaining high reactivity for demanding industrial processes.

Key Applications

  • Chemical Synthesis: Essential reactant for manufacturing organic compounds, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals requiring strong alkaline conditions
  • Pulp and Paper Processing: Critical for kraft pulping processes, breaking down lignin to separate cellulose fibers for paper production
  • Petroleum Refining: Used in desulfurization processes and refinery operations to remove impurities and adjust process conditions
  • Soap and Detergent Manufacturing: Key ingredient in saponification reactions, converting fats and oils into soap products

Safety & Handling

Sodium hydroxide solution is highly corrosive and requires careful handling procedures. The solution is non-flammable with no flash point or autoignition temperature. Personal protective equipment including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing is mandatory when handling this material. Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas and have emergency eyewash stations readily available. Never add water directly to concentrated sodium hydroxide solution due to violent exothermic reactions.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store sodium hydroxide solution in corrosion-resistant containers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or stainless steel vessels. Maintain storage temperatures above the freezing point of 12°C for 50% solutions to prevent crystallization. Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Avoid storage near acids, metals like aluminum or zinc, and organic materials. The solution has excellent shelf stability when properly stored in appropriate containers.

Why Alliance Chemical

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) and what is it used for?
Sodium hydroxide solution is an aqueous caustic alkali (formula NaOH); a 50% solution is a highly concentrated, strongly alkaline liquid. It is used for pH control, neutralization, chemical manufacturing, pulp and paper processing, textile treatment, metal cleaning/etching and laboratory applications.
How should I store 50% sodium hydroxide solution and what is its shelf life?
Store in tightly closed, corrosion‑resistant containers in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area away from acids and reactive metals; use HDPE, PP or compatible stainless steel storage. When kept uncontaminated and properly stored, product remains stable; typical recommended shelf life is 1–3 years but verify with the supplier's Certificate of Analysis (COA) and SDS.
What safety precautions are required when handling 50% NaOH solution?
This solution is highly corrosive and can cause severe burns and eye damage; use chemical goggles or face shield, chemical‑resistant gloves and apron, and work in a ventilated area with eyewash and safety shower access. Avoid splashes, do not mix with acids or oxidizers, and in case of contact flush immediately with water and seek medical attention.
How does a 50% concentration differ from lower concentrations of sodium hydroxide?
A 50% solution is much more corrosive and releases significant heat on dilution, affecting handling, storage, material compatibility and transport classification. Lower concentrations are less hazardous for cleaning and pH adjustment tasks and generally pose lower risks during handling and dilution.
What documentation is available for sodium hydroxide solution shipments?
Suppliers can provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheets (TDS), and shipping papers; regulatory compliance documents (e.g., REACH/TSCA information) can be supplied on request. Ensure you review the SDS for hazard, handling and emergency response details before use.
How is 50% sodium hydroxide solution shipped and what packaging options are common?
Sodium hydroxide solution is a Class 8 corrosive (UN1824) and must be shipped under applicable IMDG/IATA/ADR/IATA regulations with proper labeling. Common packaging includes 25–50 kg drums, 200 kg drums, 1000 kg IBCs/totes and bulk ISO tanks; packaging material is typically HDPE or compatible lined steel.
Which materials are compatible or incompatible with 50% sodium hydroxide solution?
Compatible materials include HDPE, polypropylene, PTFE and many stainless steels (e.g., 316) under typical conditions. It is incompatible with aluminum, zinc, tin, copper, galvanized steel and can attack some silicate glasses at elevated temperature or concentration; avoid contact with acids and oxidizers.
What are the typical technical specifications for a 50% NaOH solution?
Typical specs include assay ~50% w/w (± supplier tolerance), appearance clear to slightly cloudy colorless liquid, density approximately 1.50–1.53 g/mL at 20°C, and a strongly alkaline pH. The solution is fully miscible with water; request a COA for exact batch values and impurity limits.
Which industries commonly use 50% sodium hydroxide solution and for what applications?
Common industries include chemical manufacturing, pulp and paper, textiles, petroleum/refining, metal processing and industrial water treatment, as well as laboratories. Typical uses are neutralization, caustic extraction, degreasing/etching, soap/detergent production and as a reagent in chemical synthesis.
How can I purchase sodium hydroxide 50% solution and what should I consider when ordering?
You can buy it from chemical distributors in drums, IBCs or bulk tank deliveries; availability and lead time depend on quantity and location. When ordering, confirm required packaging, request SDS/COA, verify transport and storage provisions for corrosive materials, and check any regulatory or documentation requirements for your jurisdiction.

Documentation & Downloads

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

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