A saturated sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution has a concentration of approximately 19.1 moles/liter (M).
Understanding Saturated Solutions
A saturated solution is one in which the maximum amount of solute has been dissolved in a given amount of solvent at a specific temperature. Beyond this point, no more solute will dissolve, and any additional solute added will remain undissolved. For sodium hydroxide, this represents a very high concentration due to its excellent solubility in water.
Key Concentration Data for Sodium Hydroxide Solutions
The concentration of various sodium hydroxide solutions, including a saturated one, can be summarized as follows:
| Type of Aqueous Solution | Concentration (moles/liter) |
|---|---|
| Saturated NaOH solution | 19.1 |
| 6 M NaOH | 6.0 |
| 3 M NaOH | 3.0 |
| 10% NaOH (approximate) | 2.77 |
It is worth noting that a saturated sodium hydroxide solution is also commonly referred to as a 50% NaOH solution by mass, reflecting its high concentration.
Practical Considerations
Due to its extremely high concentration, saturated sodium hydroxide solution is highly corrosive and generates significant heat upon dissolution. Proper safety precautions, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat, are essential when handling concentrated NaOH solutions.
