what chemical is lye
Lye is a caustic, alkaline chemical that is useful for many purposes but also is hazardous. It can dissolve sticky substances such as fat and has a high degree of reactivity with other materials. Modern lye typically is the chemical sodium hydroxide, but potassium hydroxide was once the chemical compound that was commonly used.
Pure Lye. Sodium hydroxide, also known as Caustic Soda or Lye, is a product that is used in the creation of soap, detergent, paper, textiles and drinking water. It is a chemical base and comes packaged as a white solid. Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) â Uses and Benefits.