Which of the following is commonly named as caustic soda? — s Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Caustic Soda Identification **Caustic soda** is the common name for **sodium hydroxide ($NaOH$)**. **Step-by-step reasoning:** 1. **"Caustic"** refers to a corrosive substance that can burn or destroy organic tissue. 2. **Sodium hydroxide ($NaOH$)** is a strong base that is highly corrosive and caustic in nature, making it dangerous to handle without proper precautions. 3. **Historical naming:** The term "caustic soda" became the standard common name because this compound was traditionally obtained from the causticization of sodium carbonate (soda ash) with calcium hydroxide (slaked lime). 4. **Other common names:** $NaOH$ is also called lye or white caustic, but "caustic soda" is the most widely recognized industrial and commercial name. 5. **Why not others:** Other sodium compounds like $Na_2CO_3$ (washing soda), $NaCl$ (table salt), or $Na_2SO_4$ (Glauber's salt) are not caustic and don't bear this name. **Answer: $NaOH$ (Sodium Hydroxide) = Caustic Soda**