Comparing E524 - Sodium hydroxide vs E528 - Magnesium hydroxide
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Found in 393 products
Found in 8 products
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Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
What is sodium hydroxide used for?
In foods, E524 (sodium hydroxide/lye) is used as a pH regulator and processing aid—for peeling fruits and vegetables, curing olives, Dutch-processing cocoa, and creating the characteristic crust on pretzels and some noodles. Outside food, it’s widely used in soapmaking, cleaning, and pulp and paper production.
Is sodium hydroxide a base?
Yes—it's a very strong base (alkali) with a high pH and is highly caustic; in foods it's used only in small, controlled amounts.
What is the chemical formula for sodium hydroxide?
NaOH.
What is the formula for sodium hydroxide?
NaOH (composed of sodium cations, Na+, and hydroxide anions, OH−).
How to make sodium hydroxide?
Industrial sodium hydroxide is produced by the chlor-alkali process (electrolysis of brine), yielding NaOH, chlorine, and hydrogen. Do not attempt to make it yourself; for any food use, only purchase certified food‑grade lye.
How magnesium hydroxide works?
It works as a sparingly soluble base that releases hydroxide ions to neutralize acids and raise pH. In medicinal use it neutralizes gastric acid and, at higher doses, draws water into the intestines to promote bowel movements.
Is magnesium hydroxide safe?
Yes—at permitted food-use levels (E528) it is considered safe by regulators. High intakes can cause diarrhea, and people with kidney impairment should avoid excessive magnesium exposure.
Is magnesium hydroxide a strong base?
Chemically it’s a strong base, but its very low solubility means its aqueous solutions are only moderately alkaline compared with highly soluble bases like sodium hydroxide.
What is magnesium hydroxide used for?
In foods it’s used as an acidity regulator/alkalizing agent and processing aid to control pH. Outside foods it’s the active ingredient in some antacids (milk of magnesia) and osmotic laxatives.
What does magnesium hydroxide do?
In food products it neutralizes excess acidity and helps stabilize pH. Medically it relieves heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid and, at higher doses, promotes bowel movements by drawing water into the gut.