Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, is a white solid ionic and inorganic compound with the formula NaOH. Sodium hydroxide is highly caustic base, highly soluble in water, and readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air.
Sodium hydroxide is used in many industries such as the manufacture of pulp and paper, textiles, water treatment, drinking water, soaps and detergents, and as a drain cleaner.