Lye
Related Category: Compounds and Elements
name commonly used for a strongly alkaline solution. It originally meant a solution of
potassium carbonate (potash) prepared by leaching wood ashes with water, but now the name also means a solution of
sodium hydroxide or
potassium hydroxide.
Lye is also used to refer to the undissolved solute. Common household lye is usually sodium hydroxide. Lye should be used with caution as it is caustic and poisonous.
