Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or caustic soda, with the chemical formula NaOH, is a highly corrosive strong alkali, usually in the form of white flakes or particles. It can be mixed with water to form alkaline solutions, and can also dissolve in methanol and ethanol. This alkaline substance has deliquescence and can absorb water vapor from the air, as well as acidic gases such as carbon dioxide. Sodium hydroxide is one of the commonly used chemicals. It has a wide range of applications and is a necessity for many industrial processes: commonly used in the manufacture of wood pulp paper, textiles, soap, and other cleaning agents, and also used in household alkaline drainage products.