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"**__Formation of Sodium Hydroxide"__**

SOURCES: [|http://www.atmos.umd.edu/~russ/MSDS/sodium_hydroxide.htm] http://www.dow.com/ http://corporateportal.ppg.com/ppg/ http://www.fpcusa.com/ http://www.alibaba.com/buyeroffers/Sodium_Hydroxide.html http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics0360.htm

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Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), which is also known as "lye", is a reaction defined as NaOH + HCL → NaCL + H2O. There are many, many uses for this reaction, and the lye compound it creates. Some examples are paint stripper, soap production, paper making, biodiesel, aluminum etching, drain cleaners, and many food uses as a higher grade substitute for salt used with the likes of pretzels. It is also the main ingredient in the production of the illegal drug, Meth (Methamphetamines). Some companies that produce Sodium Hydroxide are the Dow Chemical Company, PPG Industries, and Formosa Plastics. Anybody could be a major buyer as the product is available on websites (http://www.alibaba.com or [|http://www.tradekey.com).] Sodium Hydroxide is produced through a process called chloralkali. For this to happen, it goes through electrolysis of a solution of NaCl. There are many complicated cell processes that this has to go through in order to have the correct reaction. It is an ionic compound that is made up of both sodium ions and hydroxide ions. When this compound reacts with acids it forms H2O, which has to do with the hydroxide that gives it a strong base. It is a white material that can come in pellets, flakes or granules. Sodium Hydroxide used primarily as base does not normally create waste. It can be very dangerous mixed with other compounds, but by itself isn't so bad.

Sodium Hydroxide is used in some good ways and also some very bad ways. It is used to help other reactions take place and neutralize acids in chemistry. Some good uses for it are paint stripper in which it's in liquid form and used on wood. Recently it has become less common because of complaints about it ruining the wood. Also it is used in soaps in which it was originally used by the Arabs in the 7th century. In paper making it is used with sodium sulfide to separate the fibers. It is also used during food preparation. Some bad uses for this compound includes the production of Meth and other drugs that are very dangerous to all humans. 326

This reaction is still frequently used as a base in many different chemical reactions. Chemists everywhere use this compound and it has not yet been made illegal even with its known relations with drug manufacturing. It is mainly used because of its cheap cost and availability everywhere in the world. It is a very useful compound and overall does more good than bad which keeps it on the market to this day. Some of the dangers that come with this compound include possibility of chemical burns or blindness in some rare cases. When coming in contact with H2O, it generates heat. This heat is enough to cause a foreign substance to catch flame, presenting danger. Also, upon contact with human skin (which contains large amounts of water), chemicals burns immediately occur. This is the reason for the warning on labels saying if contact is made, call a physician immediately. Inhalation of the gas or dust form may burn or further damage the lungs, causing breathing issues.