Product Overview
Sodium Hydroxide 50% Solution ACS Grade is a highly concentrated, aqueous alkaline solution designed for demanding laboratory and industrial processes where purity is paramount. This inorganic compound — represented by the chemical formula HNaO and possessing a molecular weight of 39.997 — is a fundamental reagent utilized across multiple technical sectors. Known commonly as caustic soda solution, it is formulated to deliver precise molarity and reliable alkalinity. At this 50% concentration, the solution provides an efficient balance of high chemical activity and ease of liquid handling, bypassing the dissolution steps required for solid beads or flakes.
We supply this high-purity solution to facilitate seamless integration into automated dosing systems, titration setups, and chemical synthesis pathways. It appears as a colorless, odorless liquid that is denser than water, which requires specific handling procedures to ensure safety and process consistency. Alliance Chemical distributes this product under our bases collection to support rigorous testing protocols, pH control, and raw material synthesis. Whether you are managing municipal processing facilities, industrial manufacturing plants, or analytical testing environments, our sodium hydroxide solution offers the stable concentration needed for exact, repeatable chemical reactions.
Why This Grade
The ACS Grade designation indicates that this product meets the strict purity specifications established by the American Chemical Society. For chemical processes requiring a 50% concentration, electing to use a lower technical grade can introduce unwanted heavy metals, carbonates, or halides. These impurities act as catalyst poisons or interfere with delicate analytical instruments, leading to skewed titration results or failed synthesis runs. Using the exact 50% concentration ensures consistent viscosity and reaction rates, preventing unexpected exothermic spikes that can occur when manually diluting solid sodium hydroxide.
In industrial workflows, choosing an incorrect grade can lead to severe system failure modes, such as the precipitation of insoluble salts that clog precise dosing pumps and analytical columns. This ACS Grade solution features strictly controlled trace element levels, protecting your equipment from premature scaling and contamination. Furthermore, a 50% concentration is critical for processes that require a high concentration of hydroxide ions without introducing excessive water, which would otherwise dilute the reaction medium. Maintaining this strict balance prevents analytical drift and preserves the integrity of your technical operations.
Chemical Profile
- CAS Number
- 1310-73-2
- Chemical Formula
- HNaO
- Molecular Weight
- 39.997 g/mol
- Boiling Point
- greater than 266 °F at 760 mmHg (USCG, 1999)
- Melting Point
- 604 °F (USCG, 1999)
- Specific Gravity
- 1.5 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
- Appearance
- Sodium hydroxide solution appears as a colorless liquid. More dense than water. Contact may severely irritate skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Toxic by ingestion. Corrosive to metals and tissue.
- Solubility
- 111 % (NIOSH, 2024)
- UN Number
- UN1824
- Hazard Class
- Class 8
- Packing Group
- II
- Proper Shipping Name
- SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION
- GHS Signal Word
- Danger
Values sourced from Alliance Chemical's canonical chemistry registry. Certificate of Analysis (COA) per lot.
Industrial Applications
- Chemical Synthesis: Serving as a primary reagent in the synthesis of organic compounds, sodium salts, and specialized surfactants where raw material purity directly influences end-product quality.
- pH Adjustment and Neutralization: Neutralizing acidic waste streams in chemical processing facilities, industrial manufacturing plants, and high-purity wastewater treatment systems to maintain strict discharge compliance.
- Cellulose and Paper Processing: Facilitating the digestion of wood pulp and the extraction of lignin in specialty paper manufacturing processes that require precise alkaline conditions.
- Metal Finishing and Etching: Acting as a strong alkaline bath for de-greasing, cleaning, and chemical etching of aluminum and other metal surfaces prior to anodizing or coating.
- Saponification in Soap Manufacture: Promoting the controlled hydrolysis of fats and oils in the precision manufacturing of specialized soaps, detergents, and industrial cleaning agents.
Hazmat & Shipping
Sodium Hydroxide 50% Solution ACS Grade is classified as a hazardous material for transport. It is regulated under DOT guidelines as UN1824, Hazard Class 8 (Corrosive), Packing Group II. The proper shipping name is SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION. The designated GHS Signal Word for this chemical is Danger. Because of its high alkalinity and corrosive nature, it poses significant safety risks if not handled with absolute care. Our logistics team ensures that all shipments comply strictly with federal hazmat regulations, utilizing certified packaging designed to withstand corrosive liquids. We manage every step of the transport process to ensure safe, compliant delivery to your facility.
This chemical carries hazard statements H290 (May be corrosive to metals) and H314 (Causes severe skin burns and eye damage). Consequently, operators must wear comprehensive personal protective equipment (PPE). Appropriate PPE includes chemical-resistant gloves, protective clothing, and a full face shield or safety goggles to prevent any skin or eye contact. In compliance with safety regulations, a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is provided with every order to detail these hazards and emergency response protocols. Ensure your facility is equipped with functioning eye wash stations and safety showers in all areas where this strong alkaline solution is stored or handled.
Handling & Storage
Store Sodium Hydroxide 50% Solution ACS Grade in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, ideally keeping the storage temperature above 60 °F (16 °C) to prevent the solution from freezing or crystallizing, as 50% caustic soda has a relatively high freezing point. Use only compatible containers, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, or nickel alloys. Avoid contact with incompatible materials, including strong acids, organic halogen compounds, nitro compounds, and reactive metals like aluminum, zinc, and tin, as these reactions can generate dangerous amounts of flammable hydrogen gas.
Order & Documentation
We provide the high-quality chemical reagents required to keep your laboratory and industrial operations running smoothly. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available upon request for every batch to verify product purity, and a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is provided with every order. To secure your supply of Sodium Hydroxide 50% Solution ACS Grade, you can Request a Quote for bulk volumes or Download the SDS for your safety records.
Why Buy from Alliance Chemical
Since 1997, Alliance Chemical has supplied premium industrial chemicals from Taylor, Texas under CAGE Code 1LT50, with a COA and SDS included on every order. For industrial use only.
Co-Dose Application
Sodium hydroxide as the pH-control partner to alum
In industrial wastewater treatment, Sodium Hydroxide 50% co-doses with Aluminum Sulfate 50% to hold pH in the 5.5–7.5 coagulation sweet spot as the acidic alum drives pH downward. For the complete chemistry, jar-testing protocol, and three real-world cost-transformation case studies, read our technical guide on alum in metal fabrication wastewater.
Read the technical guide →