Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and Lye are other names for liquid caustic soda, which can be flakes, liquid, or both. This name was inspired by the corrosive effects of salt on living things. Because it is an alkali, it can be employed in a variety of ways. It is extremely alkaline and caustic, degrading proteins even at room temperature and causing serious chemical burns. Sodium hydroxide is a white solid ionic chemical composed of the hydroxide anion (OH-) and the sodium cation (Na+).