When red devil lye (sodium hydroxide) is mixed with aluminum foil, a chemical reaction occurs that produces hydrogen gas and sodium aluminate. The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat, and can be quite vigorous, potentially leading to bubbling and foaming. This reaction is often used in demonstrations of chemical reactions, but caution is advised due to the release of heat and gas.
Red devil lye is a trading name for drain cleaners.The volume of the can is very variable, as wanted the manufacturer, and may begin with a 100 mL can.
The question needs to be more specific. What method of electrolysis are you performing. Are you using aluminum foil and salty water? If you are, the NaCL (salt) will be electrolysed to form NaOH (lye) and also giving off chlorine gas. (which can be dangerous in sufficient quantity) The sodium hydroxide (lye) will in turn attack your aluminum foil creating aluminum oxide. This aluminum oxide it what is causing your water to be murky. Carbon electrodes are a better option.
Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) can be found in many hardware stores, or ordered on line. Some sell lye in bulk, in bags from 35 to 50 pounds in weight. Lye is also marketed as a drain-opening product, as well -- but the label should be checked to make sure the product is 100% lye. See the link below for more information.
I buy my lye at Essential Depot (essentialdepot.com ) , its food grade and perfect for making pretzels, but I also use it to make soap in my spare time. Its the best I have found (much better than red devil lye) and the price is great, Use the discount code "ship30" to receive a 30% discount on shipping. I found the vintage pamplets at LyeDepot.com ( lyedepot.com ) a very usefull resource on all the uses of lye.
Lye water does not have an expiration date as it is a stable compound. However, it may lose its effectiveness over time if exposed to air or moisture, leading to weaker results in cooking or cleaning applications. It is recommended to store lye water in a cool, dry place and use it within a reasonable time frame for best results.
No, you should not use Red Devil lye down your kitchen drain. While it is a powerful drain cleaner, it can cause damage to pipes, especially if they are made of aluminum or certain plastics. Additionally, lye is caustic and can pose safety hazards, such as chemical burns or harmful fumes. It's best to use safer and more appropriate methods for unclogging drains.
Red devil lye is a trading name for drain cleaners.The volume of the can is very variable, as wanted the manufacturer, and may begin with a 100 mL can.
100% Sodium Hydroxide
One simple way is to add aluminum metal to a solution of water and sodium hydroxide (common lye). The lye assists the reaction between aluminum and water, which combines the aluminum with oxygen to create aluminum oxide, and liberates hydrogen.
The question needs to be more specific. What method of electrolysis are you performing. Are you using aluminum foil and salty water? If you are, the NaCL (salt) will be electrolysed to form NaOH (lye) and also giving off chlorine gas. (which can be dangerous in sufficient quantity) The sodium hydroxide (lye) will in turn attack your aluminum foil creating aluminum oxide. This aluminum oxide it what is causing your water to be murky. Carbon electrodes are a better option.
I cannot suggest anything without some idea of the purpose, for some things (e.g. soap making) there is no practical substitute for lye.
Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) can be found in many hardware stores, or ordered on line. Some sell lye in bulk, in bags from 35 to 50 pounds in weight. Lye is also marketed as a drain-opening product, as well -- but the label should be checked to make sure the product is 100% lye. See the link below for more information.
A chemical reaction occurs when aluminum foil and The Works toilet bowl cleaner come into contact, producing hydrogen gas. As the gas builds up, it creates pressure inside the container, leading to an explosion. This reaction is highly exothermic and can generate enough heat to ignite the hydrogen gas, causing the explosion.
In Tucson, AZ, you can find Red Devil Lye at local hardware stores, such as Home Depot or Lowe's, as they're known to carry lye products. Additionally, check specialty stores that sell cleaning supplies or chemical products. If you prefer shopping online, major retailers like Amazon may also have it available for delivery. Always ensure to follow safety guidelines when handling lye.
I buy my lye at Essential Depot (essentialdepot.com ) , its food grade and perfect for making pretzels, but I also use it to make soap in my spare time. Its the best I have found (much better than red devil lye) and the price is great, Use the discount code "ship30" to receive a 30% discount on shipping. I found the vintage pamplets at LyeDepot.com ( lyedepot.com ) a very usefull resource on all the uses of lye.
Lye water does not have an expiration date as it is a stable compound. However, it may lose its effectiveness over time if exposed to air or moisture, leading to weaker results in cooking or cleaning applications. It is recommended to store lye water in a cool, dry place and use it within a reasonable time frame for best results.
Home Depot typically does not carry Red Devil lye specifically, as it is a brand that is more commonly found in grocery stores or specialty retailers. However, Home Depot does sell other types of lye or sodium hydroxide products that can be used for similar purposes, such as drain cleaners or chemical products for soap making. It's best to check the Home Depot website or contact your local store for availability.