Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, lye, or sodium hydrate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaOH. It is highly alkaline and extremely corrosive. Sodium hydroxide can be used as an acid neutralizer, complexing masking agent, precipitant, precipitation masking agent, color developing agent, saponifying agent, peeling agent, detergent, among other applications, making it widely versatile.