Sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash or washing soda, is a white, odorless, crystalline powder or granular substance. It is highly soluble in water and has alkaline properties.
🏭⚗️ Production
Sodium carbonate is primarily produced by the Solvay process, which involves the reaction of sodium chloride, ammonia, and carbon dioxide in water. It can also be obtained by mining natural deposits such as trona ore or by processing sodium bicarbonate.
🔬 Properties
• Appearance: white crystalline powder or granules
• Molecular weight: 105.99 g/mol
• Melting point: 851 °C (decomposes)
• Solubility: highly soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol
• Alkalinity: forms alkaline solutions in water with a pH around 11
• Density: 2.54 g/cm³
• Crystal structure: monoclinic or triclinic depending on hydration state
🧪 Applications
Sodium carbonate is widely used in glass manufacturing, detergents, water treatment, and as a pH regulator in various industries. It is also used in the production of sodium bicarbonate, in the paper industry, and as a food additive.
