CAS 1310-73-2 · Strong Base · 50% Solution & Solid Flake
Sodium Hydroxide
NaOH · MW 40.00 g/mol · Caustic Soda / Lye
Chemical & Filtration Products of Texas supplies sodium hydroxide — also known as caustic soda or lye — to manufacturers, water treatment facilities, and industrial operations across Texas. Available as a 50% liquid solution and in dry flake or bead form, our caustic soda is sourced from leading manufacturers including BASF and ships with full SDS documentation and lot traceability. We deliver in drums, totes, and bulk tanker loads with a dedicated representative who understands your production schedule and compliance requirements. Serving Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, and all major Texas industrial corridors from our Fort Worth distribution center.
Formula
NaOH
pH (1%)
~13
Concentration
50% or Solid
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Bulk
Structural Formula
Strong base — fully dissociates to Na⁺ and OH⁻ in aqueous solution
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 3 — Serious hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 0 — Non-flammable
- NFPA Reactivity
- 1 — Slight hazard
- OSHA PEL (TWA)
- 2 mg/m³ (ceiling)
- ACGIH TLV-Ceiling
- 2 mg/m³
- DOT Hazard Class
- 8 — Corrosive
- UN Number
- UN 1824 (solution) / UN 1823 (solid)
- Reactivity
- Reacts with acids, metals (Al, Zn), and moisture (solid)
Causes severe burns — use full PPE. Solid NaOH absorbs moisture and CO₂ from air; keep sealed. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet before handling.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | NaOH |
| Molecular Weight | 40.00 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 1310-73-2 |
| Physical Form | Clear liquid (50%) or white solid flake/bead |
| Boiling Point | 145 °C (50% solution) |
| Melting Point | 318 °C (pure solid) |
| Flash Point | Non-flammable |
| Density | 1.53 g/cm³ (50% solution) |
| pH (1% solution) | ~13 |
| Solubility | 111 g/100 mL at 20 °C (highly exothermic) |
| Vapor Pressure | Negligible at 20 °C |
| Viscosity | 78 mPa·s at 20 °C (50%) |
Industrial Applications
pH Adjustment & Neutralization
The most widely used base for raising pH in water treatment, wastewater neutralization, and industrial process streams. Sodium hydroxide is preferred over lime for precise pH control due to its high solubility and predictable dosing.
Water Softening & Ion Exchange Regeneration
Regenerant for strong-base anion exchange resins in demineralization systems. NaOH converts exhausted resin from the chloride or sulfate form back to the hydroxide form, restoring ion exchange capacity.
Pulp & Paper (Kraft Process)
Key chemical in the kraft pulping process — sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide dissolve lignin from wood chips, separating cellulose fibers for paper production. Also used in the causticizing cycle to regenerate white liquor.
Chemical Manufacturing
Feedstock for producing sodium salts, soaps, detergents, and hundreds of industrial chemicals. Saponification of fats and oils with NaOH produces soap; reaction with chlorine produces sodium hypochlorite.
Food Processing
Food-grade NaOH (E524) is used for curing olives, making pretzels and bagels (lye bath), processing cocoa, and as a pH adjuster in food manufacturing. FCC grade required for all food contact applications.
Aluminum Etching & Surface Treatment
Etchant for aluminum in metal finishing — NaOH dissolves aluminum oxide and the base metal, creating a matte surface for anodizing or painting. Also used for cleaning aluminum heat exchangers and process equipment.
Why Source Caustic Soda from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying caustic soda to Texas manufacturers and water utilities
- 50% liquid solution and solid flake/bead in industrial and food grades
- Drums, totes, and bulk tanker delivery for liquid; bags for solid
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities
Other Water Treatment Products
Sodium Hydroxide vs. Alternatives
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) is the most widely used strong base in water treatment and industrial processing. Here's how it compares to alternative alkalis.
| Attribute | Sodium Hydroxide | Calcium Hydroxide (Lime) | Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Strength | Strong base — fully dissociates | Strong base — limited solubility | Moderate base — pKa 10.3 |
| Solubility | Very high — 111 g/100 mL at 20 °C | Low — 0.17 g/100 mL at 20 °C | High — 21.5 g/100 mL at 20 °C |
| pH Achievable | Up to pH 14 | Up to pH 12.4 (saturation limit) | Up to pH 11.6 |
| Adds Hardness | No — sodium only | Yes — adds calcium | No — but adds alkalinity |
| Primary Use | pH adjustment, neutralization, CIP cleaning | Softening, lime-soda process | Softening, pH adjustment |
Industries We Supply Sodium Hydroxide To
Water & Wastewater Treatment
Caustic soda is the primary alkali for pH adjustment, acid neutralization, and alkalinity addition in municipal and industrial water treatment systems.
Sodium Hydroxide supply in Houston, TXPulp & Paper
Sodium hydroxide is a key chemical in kraft pulping (white liquor), caustic extraction bleaching stages, and paper machine wet-end chemistry.
Sodium Hydroxide supply in Lufkin, TXFood Processing & CIP
Food-grade caustic soda is used in clean-in-place (CIP) systems to remove protein, fat, and carbohydrate soils from dairy, beverage, and food processing equipment.
Sodium Hydroxide supply in Dallas, TXChemical Manufacturing
Used as a reactant and pH control agent in the production of soaps, detergents, textiles, aluminum, and a wide range of industrial chemicals.
Sodium Hydroxide supply in Beaumont, TX