Sodium Hydroxide Pellets

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bindi
Posts: 216
Joined: 23 Jan 2007, 10:00
State/Location: NSW

Sodium Hydroxide Pellets

Post by bindi »

While doing my chemical stocktake during the holidays, if discovered my NaOH pellets have become partly liquified.
Im assuming that its absorbed moisture with either the lid not being on properly or being left off during a class prac??? 8O
Can I save this in anyway either by drying or using it for solution? or do I give to my chemwaste man?
I was thinking of dilute NaOH, concentration unknown for junior pracs :? thoughts please!
RosalieM
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Joined: 20 Mar 2007, 10:00
Job Title: Lab Assistant
Suburb: Tamworth
State/Location: NSW

Re: Sodium Hydroxide Pellets

Post by RosalieM »

Yep - keep it for junior classes where specific molarity isn't required, or for senior titrations. Dilute it roughly to 1M and have them calculate the molarity for you! Then you can write it on the bottle to future use :) Otherwise use it in the junior classes where they just need it for indicators etc, or for acid/base reactions. No point wasting it! And put a label on the container in the future reminding teachers and students to replace the lid EVERY TIME IT IS USED! It is extremely hydroscopic and even when making up solutions it doesn't take long to see it begin to liquify when weighing it in a beaker. Perhaps before you dilute it you can use it as an example to staff and students as to why we have rules that say screw lids back on bottles immediately even if you know you will be using it again soon.
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Narelle01
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Joined: 30 Nov 2009, 13:28
State/Location: NSW

Re: Sodium Hydroxide Pellets

Post by Narelle01 »

thanks for the help - found the same thing!
:)
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dime
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Joined: 13 Jun 2007, 09:55
State/Location: NSW

Re: Sodium Hydroxide Pellets

Post by dime »

Or you can put some of it down the various sinks and drains. It is the same as drainO. Just pour a tablespoon or two down the drain with a cup of water and let sit for a while, then flush with running water. Not exactly using as a "chemical" but still usefull. :thumbup:
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