Difference Between Lye and Caustic Soda

The key difference between lye and caustic soda is that the term lye may refer to either sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, whereas the term caustic soda refers only to sodium hydroxide. ... Lye is a metal hydroxide, but caustic soda is specifically sodium hydroxide.

1. Is lye and caustic soda the same thing?
2. Is Lye a caustic?
3. What is Lye called in Australia?
4. What does Lye do to dead bodies?
5. Can caustic soda kill you?
6. Does Dove soap have lye?
7. Can lye kill you?
8. Why is lye dangerous?
9. Can you buy lye?

Is lye and caustic soda the same thing?

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly versatile substance used in a variety of manufacturing processes. Sodium hydroxide is a co-product of chlorine production.

Is Lye a caustic?

Caustic Soda Information

D. Caustic soda is one of the common names for sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which is also known as lye. Its common name derives from its chemical identity as a sodium hydrate and because it is caustic or corrosive.

What is Lye called in Australia?

Sodium Hydroxide (Lye/Caustic Soda)

What does Lye do to dead bodies?

Tissue digestion. Sodium or potassium hydroxide can be used to digest tissues of animal carcasses. Often referred to as alkaline hydrolysis, the process involves placing the carcass or body into a sealed chamber, adding a mixture of lye and water and the application of heat to accelerate the process.

Can caustic soda kill you?

CONCLUSIONS: The complications were related to the amount of caustic soda ingested. Small amounts caused esophagitis or stenosis and large amounts increased the risk of fistulas, perforations and death.

Does Dove soap have lye?

It is true that the words "lye" or "sodium hydroxide" do not appear on the Dove ingredient label. But, the first ingredients listed were sodium tallowate, sodium cocoate, and sodium palm kernelate. ... Yes, Dove is made with lye!

Can lye kill you?

Lye is a corrosive alkali, commonly found in household cleaners. ... If a sufficiently large dose of lye is swallowed, the alkali can cause perforations in the esophagus and stomach, which can lead to death in fatal cases.

Why is lye dangerous?

Lye can burn the skin and damage the eyes in the dry or wet form. It also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that can harm the lungs. If swallowed, lye will burn the esophagus and can cause death.

Can you buy lye?

Lye used to be available in the supermarket but not anymore. You might be able to find it in some hardware stores often in the drain cleaning section next to the Draino. ... If you can't find lye for soapmaking locally, do not worry there are plenty of online stores where you can get it.