Stumped by Caustic Substances? Unravel the Crossword Puzzle Here!

As a detective working on unraveling the mystery of the crossword clue ‘Caustic substances,’ my first step is to carefully analyze the clue itself. The adjective ‘caustic’ immediately prompts my attention towards substances that are known for their corrosive properties. I know that caustic substances such as strong alkaline compounds have the ability to burn and destroy organic tissue.

With this in mind, I start exploring potential answers that fit the clue. The word ‘substances’ hints at a plural answer, indicating that I should be looking for a term or phrase that refers to more than one caustic compound. As I traverse the vast knowledge of chemical substances and their properties, a solution begins to emerge — ‘LYES.’

Lyes are highly alkaline substances, usually in the form of solutions, that contain metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide (also known as caustic soda) or potassium hydroxide. These compounds are commonly used in various industrial applications and household cleaning products due to their caustic nature.

This deduction aligns with the clue’s requirements since lyes are, indeed, plural and qualify as caustic substances. The solution fits perfectly within the context, resolving the mystery of the crossword clue with a satisfying answer.