Comparing E526 - Calcium hydroxide vs E524 - Sodium hydroxide
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Found in 6 products
Found in 393 products
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Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is calcium hydroxide a strong base?
Yes—calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) is a strong base; although only moderately soluble, its saturated solution (limewater) is highly alkaline (pH around 12.4).
What is calcium hydroxide used for?
In foods it’s used as an acidity regulator and firming agent—commonly for nixtamalizing corn (masa/tortillas), as pickling lime to keep cucumbers crisp, and in sugar refining; it’s also used to adjust brewing water pH.
Is calcium hydroxide bad for you?
At the small amounts used in foods it isn’t considered harmful and is permitted (e.g., FDA GRAS; EU E526) under good manufacturing practice. Concentrated powders or solutions are caustic and can burn or irritate skin, eyes, and the digestive tract.
Is calcium hydroxide safe to eat?
Yes, when food‑grade and used at normal levels it’s considered safe; residual amounts in treated foods are low and can contribute calcium. Avoid ingesting concentrated forms, which are corrosive.
How to make calcium hydroxide?
Industrial food‑grade calcium hydroxide is made by hydrating calcium oxide (quicklime), which is produced by calcining limestone; CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2. For safety and purity, use commercially prepared food‑grade pickling lime rather than attempting to make it at home, as the reaction is caustic and highly exothermic.
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.