Sodium hydroxide is soluble in water but does not react with water.
I. Reasons why sodium hydroxide does not react with water
Sodium hydroxide ionizes OH- and Na+ in water, sodium hydroxide is a strong acid and strong alkali salt, hydrolysis does not occur, so it is neutral. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base, with alkali properties, can react with acid, etc., long placed in the air can react with the CO2 in the air, generating Na2CO3 or NaHCO3.
Sodium hydroxide in the unstable bond for the ionic bond between the sodium ion and hydroxide ions, and the chemical bond in the water for the **** valence bond, even if the ionization is also disconnected from the H-OH bond to form H+ and OH- so will not react.
Sodium hydroxide will not react with water, sodium hydroxide is very soluble in water, so solid sodium hydroxide is often used as a desiccant. Sodium oxide will react with water to generate sodium hydroxide, the equation is: Na2O + H2O = 2NaOH.
Two, the physical properties of sodium hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is a white semi-transparent crystalline solid, easy to deliquesce in the air, it is often used as a desiccant for solid and concentrated sodium hydroxide. It is very soluble in water, instantly releasing a huge amount of heat when dissolved, easily soluble in ethanol, glycerol, and its aqueous solution has an astringent odor and slippery feeling.
Use of sodium hydroxide:
I. Industrial application
Sodium hydroxide is a strong base, which is widely used in the neutralization of acids and bases in industrial production. It can be used to adjust and control the acidity and alkalinity of the solution, and is needed in the manufacture of soap, paper, cellulose and other processes. Sodium hydroxide is used to remove acidic impurities in aluminum products and petroleum processing.
Two, cleaning and disinfection
Sodium hydroxide can be used as a cleaning agent and degreasing agent, able to remove grease and dirt. In household cleaning, sodium hydroxide can be used to clean drains, ovens and more. It can also be used to sanitize and decontaminate utensils, equipment and surfaces.
Three, food processing
Sodium hydroxide is used in food processing as a flavoring agent, pH adjuster, bleaching agent and leavening agent. Sodium hydroxide plays an important role in the production of fudge, chocolate, beer and bread and other food processes.
Four, sewage treatment
Sodium hydroxide is widely used in sewage treatment plants for neutralizing acidic wastewater and neutralizing process fluids. It can adjust the pH value of sewage, promote the settling of precipitates and remove heavy metal ions.