Sodium hydroxide is a colorless noncombustible solid. Also known as lye, this extremely caustic reagent should be kept out of contact with water, as it can generate sufficient heat to ignite combustible materials. This reagent was used during the second reaction (acyl transfer)

 

Sodium Hydroxide. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards [online]; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Posted November 18, 2010.

 http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0565.html (accessed Mar 31, 2014)

 

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