Sodium hydroxide is an alkali (a chemical compound that neutralizes or effervesces with acids and turns litmus blue; typically, a caustic or corrosive substance of this kind such as lime or soda.) which is also known as caustic soda. Caustic means "burning" and caustic soda takes its name from the way it can burn the skin. It has the chemical formula of NaOH. ... As a solid, the alkali is deliquescent and readily absorbs moisture and carbon dioxide from the air.
