Question

Suppose a tanker truck, carrying a concentrated solution of sodium hydroxide destined for a pulp and paper company, crashes on the highway. Should this dangerous chemical spill be neutralized or diluted? Discuss the pros and cons for each proposed solution.

Answer 1

Answer.

Sodium hydroxide is strong base/ corrosive and toxic liquid solution.

1) .Neutralizing the conc NaoH will require Vinegar solution. For neutralizing 1 kg of NaOH you required 30 L of 5% m/v solution of vinegar or Acetic acid solution . Vinegar is weak acid and NaoH is strong base , and reaction products are salt and water. Neutralizing will cause large amount heat release due to exothermic reaction and disposal problems that may cause harmful effects to environment.

2). On the other hand water can be used to dilute the conc NaoH solution that will allow to reduce the amount of heat release as compared to that of neutralizing and this may less hazardous procedure to reduce the toxic effects of NaOH.

But again amount of water required will be large and products disposal is again unavoidable.

The best way to get rid out of spill is dilute it with water as the amount and hazards associated with product disposal in the neutralizing case will be high as compared to former one .