Q&A for How to Make Sodium Hydroxide Chemically

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Would ocean water work for this?

Meredith Juncker, PhD
Scientific Researcher
Meredith Juncker is a PhD candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her studies are focused on proteins and neurodegenerative diseases.

Meredith Juncker, PhD

Scientific Researcher

Expert Answer

Theoretically, any salt water should work in this situation. However, it is recommended that you use table salt dissolved in distilled water to make the solution as pure as possible.

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Question

Can I use an aluminium can for electrolysis?

Meredith Juncker, PhD
Scientific Researcher
Meredith Juncker is a PhD candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Her studies are focused on proteins and neurodegenerative diseases.

Meredith Juncker, PhD

Scientific Researcher

Expert Answer

Although aluminum is not as good of an electrical conductor as other elements, it is recommended that you use a glass container for the electrolysis step.

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What happens to the chlorine?

Raz'zi

Community Answer

The chlorine appears as tiny bubbles of gas on a node until a proper apparatus is used.

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Question

Table salt is NaCl. Where does the chlorine go in this experiment? If it becomes a gas, is this not incredibly dangerous?

Raz'zi

Community Answer

It appears on positive electrode (anode) in form of bubbles when the proper apparatus is used. Yes, chlorine is a harmful gas but it is formed in a small quantity here.

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Can I use iodized salt to make sodium hydroxide chemically?

Community Answer

Yes, it is possible. However, the iodine in the salt can contaminate your product in negligible amounts, so only use if you do not require high-purity chemicals.

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Question

Is NaOH really corrosive, or is it caustic?

Community Answer

It is very corrosive indeed. It appears on positive electrode (anode) in form of bubbles when the proper apparatus is used. Yes, chlorine is a harmful gas, but it is formed in a small quantity here.

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Are chlorinates and perchlorates not formed when making sodium hydroxide chemically?

Community Answer

There is no chlorinates or perchlorates forming there, since the chlorine escapes in gaseous form.

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Question

Which concentration is best when making soap?

Community Answer

We use only 100% sodium hydroxide. Haven't tried another, as the desired reaction is only between oil and sodium hydroxide, and impurities could result in forming of contaminants.

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Question

Will skipping the extraction process affect the quality of the NaOH? If so, how? Would the result be the same in soap making?

Ananiya Jemberu

Community Answer

You can but the reaction may take days because the water is diluting your lye.

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When should I pour the NaOH when making sodium hydroxide chemically?

Community Answer

After the salt is all reacted and the remaining water is boiled off, pour the sodium hydroxide into a chemically approved container.

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I learnt that a salt bridge is needed for this experiment. It can't be done without one. Is this correct?

Community Answer

A salt bridge is not needed for this electrolysis experiment but you may need a salt bridge when making a simple galvanic cell (also called a voltaic cell)

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