A lye is an alkali metal hydroxide traditionally obtained by leaching wood ashes(potassium), or a strong alkali which is highly soluble in water producing caustic basic ...
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solutions. "Lye" most commonly refers to sodium hydroxide (NaOH), but historically has been used for potassium hydroxide (KOH).
Today, lye is commercially manufactured using a membrane cell chloralkali process. It is supplied in various forms such as flakes, pellets, microbeads, coarse powder or a solution. Lye has traditionally been used as a major ingredient in soapmaking.