Answer to Question #21661 in Inorganic Chemistry for susan1991

Question

A substance is a crystalline solid, melting at 318 deg C, is white, odorless, tasteless caustic astringent (similar to the perceived taste when eating green banana), has density 2.13 g/cm3 at room temperature, conducts electric current in the molten state and in aqueous solution. Of the above properties which use to identify the lye?

Answer 1

Sodium hydroxide, also knownas lye or caustic soda, has the molecular formula NaOH and is a highly caustic
metallic base. It is a white solid available in pellets, flakes, granules, and
as a 50% saturated solution.
Sodium hydroxide is soluble in water, ethanol and methanol. This alkali is deliquescent
and readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide in air.
Molecular formula NaOH
Appearance White, waxy, opaque crystals
Odor odorless
Density 2.13 g/cm3
Melting point 318 °C, 591 K, 604 °F
Boiling point 1388 °C, 1661 K, 2530 °F
Solubility in water 111 g/100 mL (at 20 °C)
Solubility in methanol 23.8 g/100 mL
Solubility in ethanol <<13.9 g/100 mL