What is the systematic name of lye?

Answer 1

Lye is one of those "common names" that, particularly when combined with adjectives, might mean a couple of different compounds.

The canonical lye is sodium hydroxide. However, potassium hydroxide has very similar chemical properties, and I've seen terms like "wood lye" that indicate it's actually the potassium compound instead.

"Caustic lye" is a new one on me; both compounds have common names that include the word caustic (caustic soda for sodium hydroxide, caustic potash for potassium hydroxide), so it might be either one.

If it's in a recipe for soap or something, it doesn't really matter all that much; as stated earlier, they have very similar properties and either will work.

Answer 2

Lye may be either sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.

Answer 3

In modern days, lye is Sodium Hydroxide NaOH.

However, many years ago, most would have understood lye to be potassium hydroxide KOH. There is more information at the related link.

Answer 4

Lye was made from potash traditionally, the equliviant is Potassium Hydroxide(KOH) but Lye in more modern times may also refer to Sodium Hydroxide(NaOH).

Answer 5

By tradition (not so correc) sodium hydroxide is called lye.

Answer 6

sodium hydroxide

Answer 7

The systematic name for lye is sodium hydroxide.

Answer 8

NaOH