Sodium carbonate, Light
General Product Information
| Article | Sodium carbonate, Light |
| Synonyms | Soda (light), Soda ash, Washing soda, Soda crystals, Sodium trioxocarbonate |
| CAS No. | 497-19-8 |
| EEG No. | 011-005-00-2 |
| EINECS No. | 207-838-8 |
| IMO | – |
| Tariff Code | 28362000 |
| UN No. | – |
| VLG/ADR | – |
Description
Sodium carbonate (light) is a white, fine crystalline powder, belonging to the group of inorganic salts. The product is odorless, non-volatile and highly soluble in water. The light variant is distinguished from Sodium Carbonate (heavy) by a lower bulk mass, making it more soluble and suitable for Applications where rapid distribution and easy handling are desired. Sodium carbonate light is a basic raw material used in many industrial processes.
Characteristics
- Odor: Odorless.
- Hygroscopic: Yes.
- Color: White.
- Grade: Technical.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water; insoluble in ethanol.
- Shape: Crystalline powder.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Chemical Structure | Na2CO3 |
| Molar Weight | 105.99 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 851 °C (decomposition) |
| Boiling Point | – |
| Density | Approx. 0.5-0.7 g/cm³ (light type). |
| Refractive Index | – |
| pH | 11.5 (at 1% solution) |
Interessing Links
- CAS Common Chemistry – Sodium Carbonate
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – For chemical information and regulations.
- PubChem – Sodium Carbonate – Chemical information by the National Library of Medicine of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH-NCBI).
- Wikipedia – Sodium carbonate
Applications
Soda ash light is applied in various ways, for instance:
1. Chemical Industry
It serves as a raw material at the synthesis of sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide and various other inorganic salts.
2. Glass Industry
Used as a fluxing agent at the production of flat glass, packaging glass and glass fiber. It lowers the Melting Point of silica and improves the efficiency of the production process.
3. Cleaning Agents
An ingredient in laundry powders and industrial cleaners because of its water-softening properties and pH regulation.
4. Paper Industry
Used as pH buffer at de-inking and bleaching of paper.
5. Textile Industry
It is used at bleaching and dyeing of fabrics and to fix dyes on natural fibers.
6. Water Treatment
For increasing pH levels in drinking and process water systems.