Caustic Soda Preparation Properties and Uses - Check Here

Caustic Soda Preparation Properties and Uses - Check Here

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Nov 18, 2024 08:31 AM IST

Sodium hydroxide, also called as caustic soda or lye, is an inorganic chemical having the caustic soda formula NaOH. It's a white solid ionic compound made up of sodium cations Na+ and hydroxide anions OH-. NaOH chemical name is caustic soda and sodium hydroxide chemical formula is NaOH. It is highly soluble in water and easily absorbs carbon dioxide and moisture from the air. It produces a series of NaOH.nH2O hydrates. Caustic soda chemical name is Sodium Hydroxide.

Caustic Soda Preparation

The following three processes can be used to make sodium hydroxide or Caustic soda:

  1. Castner-Kellner process

  2. Nelson Diaphragm cell

  3. Loewig's process

Castner - Kellner Process

Principle: Electrolysis of brine solution is used in the Castner-Kellner procedure to obtain sodium hydroxide.

Castner-Kellner cell

It's a rectangular steel tank with ebonite lining on the interior. The titanium serves as an anode, while a mercury layer at the tank's bottom serves as a cathode.

The reaction that causes the ionization of the brine solution is as follows:

2NaCl → 2Na+ + 2Cl-

Ionization occurs when the brine solution comes into touch with an electric current. Both positive and negative ions travel toward the electrodes as a result. By generating a sodium amalgam, the sodium ions are deposited at the mercury cathode. Chlorine ions, on the other hand, travel towards the anode and exit the cell from the top.

At the anode, the reaction is as follows:

2Cl- → Cl2 + 2e-

At the cathode, the reaction is as follows:

2Na+ + 2e- → 2Na

Nelson Diaphragm Cell

Principle: An aqueous NaCl solution is used as the electrolyte in this process (also called Brine).

Procedure:

The metal oxide or asbestos porous diaphragm with the polymer divides the cathode and anode chambers. The diaphragm keeps hydroxide ions out of the anode compartment while keeping chloride ions out of the cathode compartment. The saturated brine reaches the anode compartment, resulting in the production of chlorine gas.

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Positive electrode

Ru-Ti oxide is used to coat carbon (also known as graphite) or titanium.

Cathode /Negative electrode- Steel Mesh

Reaction at Anode / Oxidation

2Cl- (aq) → Cl2 (g) + 2e-

Cathode Reaction / Reduction

2H2O (l) + 2e- → H2 (g) + 2OH- (aq)

Mixing with OH- creates NaOH, and Na+ migrates through the diaphragm to the cathode compartment.

Overall Cell Reaction (Showing Na+ Ions)

2H2O (l) + 2Cl- (aq) + 2Na+ (aq) → 2Na+ (aq) + 2OH- (aq) + H2 (g) + Cl2 (g)

The NaOH(s), which contain sodium hydroxide and sodium chloride, can be crystallized out of this product.

Loewig's Process

The Loewig technique is used for making caustic soda and is based on the creation of sodium ferrate (Na2FeO4), which is then decomposed with water. The soda liquors are then combined with ferric oxide, and the mixture is evaporated to dryness before being calcined at a bright red temperature, usually in a revolving furnace. Calcination causes a reaction between iron oxide and Sodium Carbonate, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide and the retention of sodium ferrate in the furnace.

The bulk is rinsed in cold water until all soluble stuff has been removed, and then 900°C water is poured over the sodium ferrate. It decomposes, producing caustic soda and regenerating iron oxide. The last is returned to the calcining process. The ferric oxide utilized is natural iron ore that is free of silica and other impurities; ferric hydroxide that has been precipitated is not well suited to the process since it produces a product that is difficult to lixiviate.

Properties of Caustic Soda

  • It's a white solid with a melting point of 591K.
  • It's a long-lasting substance.
  • NaOH is bitter and soapy to the touch.
  • It has a high water solubility and a moderate solubility in alcohol.
  • Sodium hydroxide is an alkaline substance.
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Caustic Soda Uses:

  • Aluminum, paper, industrial drain and oven cleaners, and detergents and soaps are all made with sodium hydroxide formula NaOH (also known as caustic soda).
  • Cleaning and disinfectant products containing sodium hydroxide
  • Soaps and other detergents that we use in our homes and businesses are made from sodium hydroxide, sometimes known as caustic soda. Sodium hydroxide and chlorine are combined to make chlorine bleach. Drain cleaners using caustic soda break down the fats and grease that can clog pipes into soap.

Caustic Soda Applications

Caustic soda is utilized in a variety of industries, including paper and pulp production, drinking water, textiles, detergents and soaps, and drain cleaning. As of 2004, the global production of caustic soda was around 60 million tonnes, whereas the consumption was around 51 million tonnes. Sodium Hydroxide is the chemical term for caustic soda, and its chemical formula is NaOH. Sodium hydroxide common name is caustic soda and the chemical formula of caustic soda is NaOH.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Explain the Properties of Caustic soda and its Usage in Energy?

       1 . It is a white-colored solid with a melting point of 591K and is a stable compound.

  1. It is highly soluble in water and somewhat soluble in alcohol.

  2. NaOH tastes unpleasant and has a soapy texture.

  3. Caustic soda is also an alkaline substance.

Usage in energy

Caustic soda is used in the energy business to make fuel cells. These fuel cells function similarly to batteries in that they produce electricity in a clean and efficient manner for a variety of applications, including transportation, material handling, portable, stationary, and emergency backup power. Epoxy resins, which are made from caustic soda, are also utilized in wind turbines.

2. What are some of the practical applications of Caustic soda?

Caustic soda has a variety of applications, including anti-pesticide, cleaning, and inorganic chemistry applications such as electricity generation, which is utilized in the Castner-kellner cells.

3. What is caustic soda, and what is its chemical formula?

Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is a highly versatile and strongly alkaline compound. It appears as a white, solid substance and is highly soluble in water, resulting in an exothermic reaction

4. What are the key properties of caustic soda?

The key properties of caustic soda include:

  • Chemical Composition: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
  • Appearance: White, solid, and easily available as flakes, pellets, or a solution.
  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water, with a strong exothermic reaction upon dissolving.
  • pH Level: Highly alkaline, with a pH typically above 13.
  • Boiling Point: About 1380 °C (2500 °F) when in solid form.
  • Density: Approximately 2.13 g/cm³ in solid form.
5. What happens when bleach is mixed with Caustic soda?

Bleach is created by combining caustic soda and chlorine gas, and it is shipped with less caustic soda remaining. Adding more bleach will just raise the pH of the solution from 10.5 to 14.

6. Is caustic soda hazardous, and what safety precautions should be taken?

Yes, caustic soda is hazardous and can cause severe burns on contact with skin or eyes. Safety precautions include:

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE such as gloves, goggles, and face shields when handling caustic soda.
  • Proper Storage: Store in airtight containers, away from acids and moisture.
  • Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation in areas where caustic soda is used to avoid inhalation of dust or vapors.
  • Emergency Procedures: Know emergency procedures, including rinsing affected areas with copious amounts of water in case of contact.

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