This section provides an overview for sodium hydroxide as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 18 sodium hydroxide manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked sodium hydroxide companies as of November, 2024: 1.Merck, 2.Olin Brass, Beryllium Copper Div., 3.Osaka Soda.
Table of Contents
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), an odorless, white monoclinic crystal, is a potent alkaline material in various industrial processes. Due to its classification as a deleterious substance under regulatory laws, handling it requires strict safety measures.
Applications of sodium hydroxide span diverse sectors:
It's crucial in soap making for its saponifying effect and is used in kitchen detergents for oil removal.
NaOH treats wood and plant fibers for pulp production and paper smoothing. It also processes cotton and hemp for enhanced flexibility and luster in textiles.
As a raw material, it facilitates ester hydrolysis, alkaline oxidation, and aromatic compound hydroxylation. It's also employed in the electronics sector for silicon wafer etching and surface modification.
Additionally, NaOH finds use in food additives, dye production, agricultural chemicals, pharmaceuticals, as an analytical reagent, desiccant, and carbon dioxide absorbent.
Sodium hydroxide, or caustic soda, is highly soluble in water, generating significant heat upon dissolution. It's deliquescent, absorbing atmospheric moisture, and dissolves in ethanol and glycerin but not in ether or acetone. Its strong alkalinity can dissolve skin proteins upon contact, emphasizing the need for careful handling and storage in dry, airtight containers.
Sodium hydroxide is industrially produced by electrolysis of brine. Other production methods are also described below.
1. Electrolysis of Brine
Brine electrolysis is the most common method of sodium hydroxide production using electrolysis and ion exchange membranes. In this method, brine (NaCl) is electrolyzed to produce sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and chlorine (Cl2).
2. Treatment of Salt With Calcium Hydroxide
Ca(OH)2 + 2NaCl → 2NaOH + CaCl2
In this method, sodium hydroxide is produced by the reaction of calcium hydroxide and sodium chloride.
3. Ammonia Treatment of Sodium Hydroxide
2NH3 + 2NaCl + H2O → 2NaOH + 2NH4Cl
In this method, ammonia (NH3) reacts with brine (NaC) to produce sodium hydroxide.
4. Complex Decomposition Reaction of Calcium Hydroxide (Slaked Lime) and Sodium Carbonate
Ca(OH)2 + Na2CO3 → 2NaOH + CaCO3
Sodium hydroxide can also be obtained by mixing a solution of calcium hydroxide and sodium carbonate.
Each production method may require subsequent refining for purity.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Olin Brass, Beryllium Copper Div. is based in Clayton, Missouri, USA, and is a manufacturer and copper-fabricated products established in 1933 as a division of Olin Corporation. The company’s products include high precision foils for use in battery electrodes or flexible circuits, rolled strips for construction or ammunition manufacturing, and high frequency tubes for use in microwave devices or coaxial cables. It also offers coating solutions, antimicrobial copper alloys, and custom fabricated products by customer specifications. The company mainly serves clients in building, construction, and munitions manufacturing operations.
Osaka Soda, established in 1915 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, is a manufacturer of basic and functional chemical products. Starting with commercializing caulk soda using electrolysis, the company's range now includes basic chlor-alkali chemicals used in pharmaceutical products, agricultural chemicals, painting materials, and functional chemicals mainly manufactured from allyl chloride and epichlorohydrin including DAP resin, synthetic rubber and pharmaceutical purification materials. It also offers healthcare products like enzymes, fatty acids and environmental products such as modifiers for energy saving tires and highly durable electrodes. The company complies with ISO 9001 standard and follows ICH-GMP guidelines for active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Kanto Chemical Co. Inc., founded in 1944 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a reagent manufacturer with overseas affiliates in other countries, including China, France, USA, Taiwan, and Malaysia. Its product portfolio includes analytical reagents, ionic liquids, Iodine compounds, ultra-pure chemicals, and water analysis kits. The company is also developing regenerative medicine and genetics reagents and has over 50,000 products. It has several certifications, including ISO 9001, acquired in 1994, making it the first Japanese company in the reagent industry. Other certifications are ISO 14001, ISO 13485, and ISO/IEC 17025.
Kishida Chemical Co. Ltd., established in 1924 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, is a manufacturer of reagents and high-purity chemicals and also does drug discovery support activities. Its product portfolio includes fine chemicals, research chemicals, ionic liquid, organic micro-analytical reagents, and chemical reagents for analysis. The products support several industries, including reagent business, battery material, drug discovery, and life science. The company is ISO 14001 certified and supplies several companies worldwide, including Meterion Advanced Chemicals Inc., Acros Organics, ChemBridge Corporation, Decon Laboratories, and InerBioScreen Ltd.
Tokuyama Corporation, headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, and founded in 1918 is a manufacturer of Soda ash and methylene chloride. Soda ash is a fundamental raw material, with applications spanning the glass and detergent industries. Beyond this, it produces quality baking soda for food additives and calcium chloride. The diverse product portfolio includes multiple sections including chemicals, cement, electronic materials, environmental business, and life science. The products catalog includes silicon, microporous films, ion exchange membranes, Chlor, and alkali among others.
AGC Inc., founded in Amagasaki, Japan, in 1907 is a supplier of flat, automotive, display glass, chemicals, ceramics and other high-tech materials and components. The company's product portfolio includes Architectural glasses, Automotive glasses, Architectural Materials, performance chemicals and Biopharmaceuticals. Their products are used in markets such as Automotive and Transportation, Telecommunications, Industrial Automation, Healthcare and Medical Devices and Aerospace and Defense. They also offer custom packaging, warehousing, customer service and distribution services.
Resonac Corporation is a Japanese chemical manufacturer and supplier, catering to various industries was established in June 1939. Resonac Corporation has developed expertise in electronics, mobility, high-performance materials, olefins and derivatives, basic chemicals, graphite, device solutions, and life sciences. Serving a diverse range of industries, their product portfolio includes inorganics, aluminum, electronics, chemicals, and inorganic materials. With its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, the company provides innovative solutions and products tailored to diverse customer needs. Resonac Corporation is recognized for its advanced technologies in the industry.
ERCO Worldwide, established in 1897 and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, is a manufacturer and supplier of specialized inorganic industrial chemicals. Their product range includes chlorine dioxide, a potent disinfectant for water, air, and surfaces, sodium chlorate as bleaching agent, and chlor-alkali products used for chlorine and sodium hydroxide production. Additionally, ERCO Worldwide offers other industrial chemicals such as hydrochloric acid, potassium hydroxide, and sodium chlorite. The company holds certifications including ISO 9001:2015, and is a member of Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC), American Chemistry Council (ACC) and the Asociación Gremial de Industriales Químicos de Chile (ASIQUIM A.G.).
Omega Finechem Private Limited, incorporated on 2009, is a manufacturer and supplier organization based in Boisar, Maharashtra. The company specialize in Drug Intermediates & Fine Chemicals tailored to clients' specifications, the company boasts products with features such as high purity, accurate composition, precise pH, effectiveness, and applications. With an authorized share capital of INR 1.00 lac and total paid-up capital of INR 1.00 lac, Omega Finechem remains actively engaged in the industry. The company is headquartered in Boisar, Maharashtra, and its directors include Sandhya Shashikant Dhamorikar and Aniket Shashikant Dhamorikar. Omega Finechem's delivering chemical solutions is reflected in its continuous growth
Jayem Engineers, established in 2005 and located in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, India, is a manufacturer, exporter, and supplier of water treatment chemicals and products known for their precise pH levels and compositions. The company’s product range includes micro-filter cartridges, cleaning chemicals, water treatment flocculants, string wound cartridge filters, and ion exchange resins. The cleaning chemicals are used for the protection of reverse osmosis membranes and equipment in metal processing, bulk drugs, fertilizers, beverages, and glass industries.
Founded in 1997 in Madrid, Spain, Union Group Chemical Company S.L stands as a supplier, manufacturer, and exporter player in the chemical industry. They offer a comprehensive range of chemicals, catering to diverse sectors. they produce quicksilver (Mercury), research chemicals, and a plethora of organic and inorganic chemicals. Their expansive portfolio encompasses chemicals, services, and technical expertise, emphasizing cost reduction and performance enhancement for clients. Operating globally, Union Group Chemical Company S.L handles new business development, negotiations, administration, and more, reflecting their expansion to a wide spectrum of chemical solutions.
Merck, started in 1668 and based in Darmstadt, Germany, is a supplier of solutions and services for research, development, and manufacture of pharmaceutical and biotechnological drug therapies. The company serves the life science industry and has a broad portfolio of 300,000 products, including biopharmaceutical manufacturing, industrial microbiology, reagent, life science research, and water purification products. It is available in 66 countries, brings together six brands, and has several ISO certifications, including ISO 13485, ISO 14001, ISO 13485, and ISO 50001.
Nacalai Tesque Inc., founded in 1846 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of research chemicals, fine chemicals, diagnostics, and the related instruments. Some of its products include cytokines, nucleic acid electrophoresis, cell dissociation reagents, and sialic acid-related products, and it also offers custom and bulk service for bulk reagents and cell culture media. The company has more than 50 domestic distributors and several worldwide, including Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, Europe, and Africa. It is ISO 9001 and ISO 9002 certified, while the Kyoto South brand and Tesque factory are ISO 14001 certified.
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., founded in 1926 in Japan, is a manufacturer and distributor of synthetic chemicals and electronic materials, such as semiconductor silicon and rare earth quartz. The company offers a wide range of products, including silicone sealants and rubbers, as well as cellulose derivatives used in foods and pharmaceuticals, and rare earth magnets. The company has four core business segments, including infrastructure chemicals, electronics materials, silicone-based functional agents, and specialized engineering for the development of plant design, construction, and maintenance.
Oasis Fine Chem, established in 1998 and based in Vadodara, India, is a chemicals manufacturer, supplier, and exporter undertaking customized packaging. Its products include calcium minerals, laboratory reagents, and potassium compounds used by several industries, including healthcare companies, food processing units, and fertilizer plants. The chemicals are available in custom variants with different grades like BT, USP, and AR. The company takes orders from across the globe, and some of its clients include Ion Pharmaceuticals Limited, Canton Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., and Merck Specialty Pvt. Ltd.
Founded in 1981, Central Drug House Ltd. serves the scientific community via manufacturing and marketing a library of over 9,000 products to laboratory fine chemicals and dehydrated culture media with emphasis on purity and service. Examples are acids & bases, adsorbents, disinfectants, indicator papers, oils, and solvents. CDH provides bio chemicals, research chemicals, laboratory reagents, various solvents, stains & indicators, and dehydrated culture media. CDH is ISO 9001 certified and CDHs’ products are in compliance with specifications of IP, BP, USP, and EP standards.
RX Chemicals was founded in Mumbai, India, in 2011. RX Chemicals sells chemical-based products for many sectors including automobile, agriculture, airline, medicine, and accessories. Automobile products include carwash shampoo, compressor cleaner, and interior cleaners. Agricultural products include fungicides, herbicides, and pesticides. Airline products include exterior products such as deicing fluid, as well as interior products such as solvent cleaner. The company also provides a range of services including chemical inspection, logistics, chemical usage supervision, as well as tank cleaning.
GI CHEMICALS DAC was founded in 2015 in Foynes, Co. Limerick, Ireland, as a trader and supplier of industrial chemicals. The product portfolio of the company encompasses hydrochloric acid, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and sulphuric acid. The chemicals have widespread usage across diverse industries, including fertilizers, batteries, specialty glasses, dyes, photographic chemicals, and chemical cleaning products. Across industries, the chemicals also play indispensable roles in metal cleaning and treatment, mining activities, water treatment applications, petroleum refining, and steel pickling procedures. The company serves a multitude of industries, encompassing agriculture, glass, metal, chemicals, mining, water treatment, and petroleum.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Merck |
17.9%
|
2 | Olin Brass, Beryllium Copper Div. |
13.8%
|
3 | Osaka Soda |
10.6%
|
4 | Union Group Chemical Company S.L |
9.1%
|
5 | Jayem Engineers |
5.7%
|
6 | Omega Finechem Private Limited |
5.2%
|
7 | Oasis Fine Chem |
5.2%
|
8 | ERCO Worldwide |
4.7%
|
9 | KANTO CHEMICAL CO.,INC. |
4.4%
|
10 | RXChemicals |
3.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the sodium hydroxide page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
Japan | 8 | 47.1% |
India | 5 | 29.4% |
United States of America | 1 | 5.9% |
Canada | 1 | 5.9% |
Spain | 1 | 5.9% |
Ireland | 1 | 5.9% |