Sodium carbonate is an inorganic compound and the disodium salt of carbonic acid. It is commonly known as soda ash, with the chemical formula Na₂CO₃ and it occurs as a white, odorless crystalline solid. The compound is soluble in water and forms an alkaline solution that reflects its characteristic basic nature. Sodium carbonate occurs in both anhydrous and hydrated forms with the anhydrous form being hygroscopic. It can also occur naturally in minerals such as natron and trona and is produced industrially from sodium chloride and limestone through the Solvay process. Its strong alkalinity and carbonate chemistry make sodium carbonate particularly valuable as a buffer component and pH-controlling reagent in laboratory and biochemical research.
CAS No.: 497-19-8
Synonyms: Anhydrous soda, carbonic acid disodium salt, Carbonic acid disodium salt.
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | Na2CO3 |
| IUPAC Name | disodium;carbonate |
| Molecular weight | 105.988 g/mol |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and Insoluble in alcohol and acetone |
| Density | 2.53 g/cm3 |
| Appearance | White powder to crystal |
| Storage | Store at room temperature |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White |
| Physical State | Solid |
| Melting Point | 851 °C |
| Ph | 12.0 (25 °C, 1 M in H2O |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Pictograms : |  |
| Hazard Statements : | H319: Causes serious eye irritation |
| Precautionary Statements: | P280: Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection P305 + P351 + P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present andeasy to do. Continue rinsing P308 + P313: IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention |
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Sodium carbonate is an inorganic compound and the disodium salt of carbonic acid. It is commonly known as soda ash, with the chemical formula Na₂CO₃ and it occurs as a white, odorless crystalline solid. The compound is soluble in water and forms an alkaline solution that reflects its characteristic basic nature. Sodium carbonate occurs in both anhydrous and hydrated forms with the anhydrous form being hygroscopic. It can also occur naturally in minerals such as natron and trona and is produced industrially from sodium chloride and limestone through the Solvay process. Its strong alkalinity and carbonate chemistry make sodium carbonate particularly valuable as a buffer component and pH-controlling reagent in laboratory and biochemical research.
CAS No.: 497-19-8
Synonyms: Anhydrous soda, carbonic acid disodium salt, Carbonic acid disodium salt.
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | Na2CO3 |
| IUPAC Name | disodium;carbonate |
| Molecular weight | 105.988 g/mol |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and Insoluble in alcohol and acetone |
| Density | 2.53 g/cm3 |
| Appearance | White powder to crystal |
| Storage | Store at room temperature |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White |
| Physical State | Solid |
| Melting Point | 851 °C |
| Ph | 12.0 (25 °C, 1 M in H2O |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Pictograms : | |
| Hazard Statements : | H319: Causes serious eye irritation |
| Precautionary Statements: | P280: Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection P305 + P351 + P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present andeasy to do. Continue rinsing P308 + P313: IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention |
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Sodium carbonate is commonly used in glass manufacturing, chemical production, water softening, detergents, cleaning formulations and pH control. In laboratory research, it is also used as an alkaline reagent and buffer component in chemical and biological processes.
Sodium carbonate is commonly known as soda ash, washing soda or soda crystals. Its chemical formula is Na₂CO₃, consisting of two sodium ions (Na⁺) and one carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻).
Sodium carbonate is safe when appropriate safety procedures are followed. However, because it is alkaline, direct exposure may irritate the eyes, skin or respiratory tract, particularly with concentrated solutions or dust. Appropriate laboratory handling precautions should therefore be followed.
Sodium carbonate and baking soda are different compounds. Sodium carbonate is Na₂CO₃ and is commonly called soda ash or washing soda, while baking soda is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃). Sodium carbonate is more strongly alkaline.
Sodium carbonate is soluble in water and gives an alkaline aqueous solution. This property contributes to its usefulness in pH adjustment, buffer preparation, cleaning and treatment of water processes.
