Which chemicals are known to cause burns to oral mucosa when ingested?

Lye and caustic cleaners are known to cause burns to the oral mucosa when ingested due to their highly alkaline nature. These substances can lead to severe tissue damage as they disrupt the pH balance of the mucosal surfaces. When lye, which is a strong base, comes into contact with the delicate lining of the mouth and throat, it can cause immediate burning, pain, and necrosis of the tissues, which can be life-threatening.

In contrast, the other substances listed may have harmful effects, but they are either less severe in terms of immediate tissue damage or have a different mechanism of injury. For example, while alcohol may irritate the mucous membranes, it does not typically cause the same level of burns and damage as lye. Acids can indeed cause burns, but the question specifically focuses on compounds known primarily for their caustic properties, thus solidifying the choice of lye and caustic cleaners as the correct response.