MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET OF

SODIUM HYDROXIDE

SECTION 1- Chemical Product and Company Identification

MSDS Name: Sodium Hydroxide
Synonyms: Caustic Soda
Formula: NaOH
Molecular Wt: 40.00g/mol
Product Numbers:
Supplier:
Tel:

SECTION 2 – Composition/Information on Ingredients

Chemical Name Percent

Sodium Hydroxide 99 – 100%

SECTION 3 – Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical state and Appearance: White pellets

Odour: Odourless
Molecular Weight: 40.00g/mol
Colour: white
pH (1% solution/water): 13
Boiling Point: 1390°C (360F)
Melting Point: 318°C
Specific Gravity: 2.13g/cmᵌ
Solubility: Very soluble in water

SECTION 4 – Stability and Reactivity

Stability: The product is stable.
Instability Temperature: Not available.
Conditions of Instability: Not [Link] with various substances: Highly reactive with metals.
Reactive with oxidizing agents, reducing agents, acids, alkalis, moisture.
Corrosivity: Not available.
Special Remarks on Reactivity: Hygroscopic. Much heat is evolved when solid material is dissolved in water.
Therefore cold water and caution must be used for this process. Sodium hydroxide solution and octanol +
diborane during a work-up of a reaction mixture of oxime and diborane in tetrahyrofuran is very exothermic, a
mild explosion being noted on one occassion. Reactive with water, acids, acid chlorides, strong bases, strong
oxidizing agents, strong reducing agents, flammable liquids, organic halogens, metals (i.e aluminium, tin, zinc),
nitromethane, glacial acetic acid, acetic anhydride, acrolein, chlorohydrin, chlorosulfonic acid, ethylene
cyanohydrin, glyoxal, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrosulfuric acid, nitric acid, oleum, propiolactone,
acylonitrile, Phorosous pentoxide, chloroethanol, chloroform-methanol, tetrahydroborate, cyanogen azide,
1,2,4,5 tetrachlorobenzene, Cinnamaldehyde. Reacts with formaldehyde hydroxide to yield formic acid, and
hydrogen.
Special Remarks on Corrosivity: Very caustic to aluminum and other metals in presence of moisture.
Polymerization: Will not occur.

SECTION 5 – Hazards Identification

Potential Acute Health Effects:

Very hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive, irritant, permeator), of eye contact (irritant, corrosive), of
ingestion, of inhalation. The amount of tissue damage depends on length of contact. Eye contact can result in
corneal damage or blindness. Skin contact can produce inflammation and blistering. Inhalation of dust will
produce irritation to gastro-intestinal or respiratory tract, characterized by burning, sneezing and coughing.
Severe over-exposure can produce lung damage, choking, unconsciousness or death. Inflammation of the eye
is characterized by redness, watering, and itching. Skin inflammation is characterized by itching, scaling,
reddening, or, occasionally, blistering.
Potential Chronic Health Effects:
The substance is toxic to lungs. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs
damage. Repeated exposure of the eyes to a low level of dust can produce eye irritation. Repeated skin
exposure can produce local skin destruction, or dermatitis. Repeated inhalation of dust can produce varying
degree of respiratory irritation or lung damage.

SECTION 6 – First Aid Measures

Eye Contact:
Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for
at least 15 minutes. Cold water may be used. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while
removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Cold water may be
used. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention immediately.
Serious Skin Contact: Wash with a disinfectant soap and cover the contaminated skin with an anti-bacterial
cream. Seek medical attention.
Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult,
give oxygen. Get medical attention immediately.
Serious Inhalation: Evacuate the victim to a safe area as soon as possible. Loosen tight clothing such as a
collar, tie, belt or waistband. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. If the victim is not breathing, perform
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. WARNING: It may be hazardous to the person providing aid to give mouth-to-
mouth resuscitation when the inhaled material is toxic, infectious or corrosive. Seek immediate medical
attention.
Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by
mouth to an unconscious person. If large quantities of this material are swallowed, call a physician
immediately. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband.
Serious Ingestion: Not available.
SECTION 7 – Accidental Release Measures

Small Spill: Use appropriate tools to put the spilled solid in a convenient waste disposal container. If
necessary: Neutralize the residue with a dilute solution of acetic acid.
Large Spill: Corrosive solid. Stop leak if without risk. Do not get water inside container. Do not touch spilled
material. Use water spray to reduce vapors. Prevent entry into sewers, basements or confined areas; dike if
needed. Call for assistance on disposal. Neutralize the residue with a dilute solution of acetic acid. Be careful
that the product is not present at a concentration level above TLV. Check TLV on the MSDS and with local
authorities.

SECTION 8 – Handling and Storage

Precautions: Keep container dry. Do not breathe dust. Never add water to this product. In case of insufficient
ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. If you feel unwell, seek medical attention and show the label
when possible. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep away from incompatibles such as oxidizing agents,
reducing agents, metals, acids, alkalis, moisture.
Storage: Keep container tightly closed. Keep container in a cool, well-ventilated area. Do not store above 23°C
(73.4°F).

SECTION 9 – Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protection: Splash goggles. Synthetic apron. Vapor and dust respirator. Be sure to use an
approved/certified respirator or equivalent. Gloves.
Personal Protection in Case of a Large Spill: Splash goggles. Full suit. Vapor and dust respirator. Boots. Gloves.
A self contained breathing apparatus should be used to avoid inhalation of the product. Suggested protective
clothing might not be sufficient; consult a specialist BEFORE handling this product.

Section 10: Toxicological Information

Routes of Entry: Absorbed through skin. Dermal contact. Eye contact. Inhalation. Ingestion.
Chronic Effects on Humans: Causes damage to the following organs: lungs.
Other Toxic Effects on Humans: Extremely hazardous in case of inhalation (lung corrosive). Very
hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive, irritant, Permeator), of eye contact (corrosive), of
ingestion.
Special Remarks on Chronic Effects on Humans: May affect genetic material (mutagenic). Investigation as a
mutagen (cytogenetic analysis), but no data available.
Special Remarks on other Toxic Effects on Humans:
Acute Potential Health Effects: Skin: May be harmful if absorbed through skin. Causes severe skin irritation and
burns. May cause deep penetrating ulcers of the skin. Eyes: Causes severe eye irritation and burns. May cause
chemical conjunctivitis and corneal damage.
Inhalation: Harmful if inhaled. Causes severe irritation of the respiratory tract and mucous membranes with
coughing, burns, breathing difficulty, and possible coma. Irritation may lead the chemical pneumonitis and
pulmonary edema. Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract and mucous membranes. Ingestion: May be
fatal if swallowed. May cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract. Causes severe
gastrointestinal tract irritation and burns. May cause perforation of the digestive tract. Causes severe pain,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and shock. May cause corrosion and permanent destruction of the oesophagus
and digestive tract.

Section 11: Ecological Information

Ecotoxicity: Not available.

BOD5 and COD: Not available.
Products of Biodegradation: Possibly hazardous short term degradation products are not likely. However, long
term degradation products may arise.
Toxicity of the Products of Biodegradation: The product itself and its products of degradation are not toxic.
Special Remarks on the Products of Biodegradation: Not available.

Section 12:Disposal Consideration

Waste Disposal: Waste must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local environmental control
regulations.