Sodium carbonate CAS No. 497-19-8

Product Description

Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), also known as soda ash or washing soda, is a versatile white, odorless powder or crystalline compound that is highly soluble in water, forming an alkaline solution with a pH around 11-12. It exists in various forms, including anhydrous sodium carbonate, sodium carbonate decahydrate (washing soda), and sodium carbonate monohydrate. Historically derived from plant ashes, sodium carbonate is now primarily through produced the Solvay process or mined from natural deposits like trona. It has a wide range of applications: in glass manufacturing as a flux to lower the melting point of silica, in detergents and cleaning products as a water softener and grease remover, in water treatment to adjust pH and soften water, and in the food industry as an additive (E500) for regulating acidity and improving texture. It is also used in chemical manufacturing, the pulp and paper industry, textiles, and medical applications. Sodium carbonate is generally safe but can cause irritation to skin and eyes, so proper handling is advised.

Product Use & Characteristics

Properties:

• Chemical Formula: Na₂CO₃

• Molar Mass: 105.988 g/mol

• IUPAC Name: disodium;carbonate

• Appearance: White, odorless powder or crystals.

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water, forming an alkaline solution with a pH around 11-12.

• Melting Point: 851 °C (anhydrous form).

• Boiling Point: 1600 °C.

• Density: 2.54 g/cm³.

• Hygroscopic: Absorbs moisture from the air.

Forms:

• Anhydrous Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃): Also known as soda ash.

• Sodium Carbonate Decahydrate (Na₂CO₃·10H₂O): Known as washing soda or soda crystals; the most common hydrated form.

• Sodium Carbonate Monohydrate (Na₂CO₃·H₂O): Also exists.

Production:

• Historically extracted from the ashes of plants grown in sodium-rich soils.

• Primarily produced synthetically today, notably through the Solvay process, which uses sodium chloride (table salt), ammonia, and carbon dioxide.

• Can also be mined from natural mineral deposits like trona.

Uses:

• Glass Manufacturing: Acts as a flux, lowering the melting point of silica (sand) to make the glass-making process more energy-efficient and improve the quality of the final product (e.g., in "soda-lime glass" for bottles and windows).

• Detergents and Cleaning Products: A key ingredient in laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and household cleaners. Acts as a water softener by precipitating calcium and magnesium ions, improving cleaning power and preventing soap scum. Effective at breaking down grease and removing stains.

• Water Treatment: Used to adjust pH levels, particularly in acidic water, and as a water softener. Also used to treat lakes affected by acid rain.

• Chemical Manufacturing: Used as a raw material in the production of various chemicals, including sodium phosphates, sodium silicates, borax, and baking soda.

• Food Industry: As a food additive (E500), it functions as an acidity regulator, anticaking agent, raising agent, and stabilizer. Used in products like ramen noodles (to give a chewy texture), sherbet powder (for fizzing), and some baked goods.

• Pulp and Paper Industry: Used in various processes.

• Textile Industry: Used in dyeing and other processes.

• Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications: Occasionally used as an antacid to relieve indigestion and heartburn, and in dialysis solutions to correct metabolic acidosis. Serves as a buffer and pH adjusting agent in some pharmaceutical formulations.

• Other Uses: Includes taxidermy (to remove flesh from bones), in some toothpastes as an abrasive and foaming agent, in brick manufacturing, and as a laboratory reagent.

Safety:

• Generally safe when used correctly, but concentrated solutions can cause skin and eye irritation.

• Important to handle with care and follow recommended safety guidelines.

• Considered an eco-friendly and biodegradable substance.

Additional Information:

• Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) is also used in cement applications as a solid activator for ground granulated blast furnace slag, promoting economic cost savings and reducing health and safety risks.

• It has antimicrobial properties, shown to decrease mold development on stored fruits without negatively affecting their sensory characteristics.

• Used in the treatment of natural fibers to enhance composite properties, showing less degradation behavior towards fibers compared to sodium hydroxide and having advantages over sodium bicarbonate in terms of eco-friendliness and reduced treatment time.

Why us!

Qingdao Sigma Chemical Co., Ltd., established in January 2017 and headquartered in Qingdao, China, is a reliable chemical supplier. Specializing in pharmaceuticals, biochemical intermediates, and research chemicals, the company offers a diverse product portfolio, including peptides (e.g., Tirzepatide, Semaglutide), nootropics, veterinary products, and APIs, often marketed with ≥99% purity and COA certification. We provides R&D, custom synthesis, and contract manufacturing services at various scales, while claiming a global export presence across 100+ countries. With international warehouses in the USA, Europe, Australia, and Canada, Qingdao Sigma Chemical also facilitates drop-shipping and reshipments, positioning itself as a key supplier for laboratory and research applications.