Caustic

A caustic is a chemical that is highly alkaline, meaning it has a strong capacity to break down or corrode organic materials. Common examples include substances like sodium hydroxide (lye) and potassium hydroxide. These chemicals can cause serious skin burns, damage tissues, and react violently with other substances. They are used industrially for cleaning, manufacturing, and processing materials, but require careful handling and protective equipment. In essence, caustics are powerful chemicals that must be treated with respect due to their ability to cause significant damage upon contact.