It is also called caustic soda or lye.Formula and structure: The chemical formula of sodium hydroxide is NaOH, and its molar mass is 40.01 g/mol. It is the alkali salt of sodium, and its structure is shown below: It is an ionic compound consisting of sodiumcation (Na+) and hydroxide (OH-) anion.
Sodium hydroxide is very corrosive. It is generally used as a solid or a 50% solution. Other common names include caustic soda and lye. Sodium hydroxide is used to manufacture soaps, rayon, paper, explosives, dyestuffs, and petroleum products