Characteristic

 

Sodium carbonate, Na₂CO₃, (also known as washing soda, soda ash and soda crystals) is the inorganic compound with the formula Na₂CO₃ and its various hydrates. All forms are white, water-soluble salts. All forms have a strongly alkaline taste and give moderately alkaline solutions in water.

Chemical formula:Na₂CO₃•10H₂O

Molar mass:286.1416 g/mol 

Appearance:White solid, hygroscopic

Odor:Odorless

Density :1.46 g/cm³ 

Melting point:34 °C (93 °F; 307 K)

Solubility:Soluble in aq. alkalis, glycerol;Slightly soluble in aq. alcohol;Insoluble in CS2, acetone, alkyl acetates, alcohol, benzonitrile, liquid ammonia

Solubility in glycerine:98.3 g/100 g (155 °C)

Solubility in ethanediol:3.46 g/100 g (20 °C)

Solubility in dimethylformamide:0.5 g/kg

Basicity (pKb):3.67

Magnetic susceptibility (χ):−4.1·10⁻⁵ cm³/mol

Refractive index (nD):1.405 (decahydrate)

 

Application

 

Sodium carbonate decahydrate is used as a raw material in various industries like glass, paper making, soap, detergent, textile and leather. It is also used as a food additive. It is also involved as a precipitation agent of carbonate as well as an analytical reagent in laboratories. It plays an important role as strong base and powerful electrolyte. It finds application in metal refining and cement production.