Basic Information of Sodium Carbonate | CAS No.: 497-19-8

Time:Jan 22,2026
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Basic Information
Chinese Name:碳酸钠
English Name:Sodium Carbonate
Chemical Formula:Na2CO3
Molecular Weight:105.99g/mol (anhydrous); 286.14g/mol (decahydrate,Na2CO3⋅10H2O)
Appearance & Odor
Anhydrous: White powder/granules, odorless, hygroscopic
Decahydrate: Colorless transparent monoclinic crystals, efflorescent
Key Physical Constants
Melting Point: 851 °C (anhydrous)
Density: 2.532 g/cm³ (anhydrous, 20 °C); 1.44 g/cm³ (decahydrate, 20 °C)
Solubility (20 °C): 21.5 g/100 mL in water; slightly soluble in ethanol, insoluble in acetone/ether
Flash Point: Non-flammable
CAS No.:497-19-8
EINECS No.:207-838-8
Synonyms:Soda Ash, Soda, Washing Soda
Solvent Properties
Solubility
Highly soluble in water, forming a strongly alkaline aqueous solution (pH≈11.6 for 0.1mol/L solution at 25 °C)
Slightly soluble in anhydrous ethanol; insoluble in acetone, ether and most other organic solvents
Dissolution of sodium carbonate decahydrate in water absorbs heat, resulting in a decrease in solution temperature
Solvent Characteristics
The aqueous solution has a buffer action, which can neutralize acidic substances and is commonly used to adjust the pH value of systems
As an ionic compound, its aqueous solution has good electrical conductivity and can be used as an electrolyte system in the electrolysis industry
It can form precipitates with some metal ions (e.g., Ca2+, Mg2+) and can be used as a complexing agent in water treatment
Main Applications
Chemical Manufacturing
Core raw material: Used in the production of glass (flat glass, container glass), soap, synthetic detergents, sodium carbonate salts, etc.
Basic chemical raw material: Preparation of sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, borax and other chemical products
Metallurgy & Mining Industry
Used as a smelting flux to lower the melting point of ores and promote the separation of metals from impurities
Applied in the purification of non-ferrous metals to remove sulfur, phosphorus and other impurities from ores
Textile & Printing and Dyeing Industry
Wool washing and degreasing agent to prevent damage to wool fibers during processing
Dyeing color fixing agent and pH regulator to improve dye uptake rate and color fastness of fabrics
Food Industry
Approved as a food additive (in compliance with GB 2760 standards), used as an acidity regulator and leavening agent
Applied in the production of flour products (e.g., steamed buns, bread) to neutralize organic acids produced during fermentation and make the dough fluffy
Other Fields
Water Treatment: Used as a water softener to remove calcium and magnesium ions from water and prevent scale formation
Environmental Protection: Used in the neutralization treatment of acidic wastewater to adjust the pH value of wastewater
Daily Chemicals: Formulation component of toothpaste and laundry detergent, playing the role of decontamination and emulsification
Safety
Hazard Classifications
Non-flammable, Non-explosive: No fire or explosion risk under normal storage and operation conditions
Irritant: The powder has mild irritation to the respiratory tract, eyes and skin; long-term contact may cause skin dryness and chapping
Low Toxicity: Excessive oral intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)
Handling Precautions
Operate in a well-ventilated environment; wear dust masks, safety goggles and rubber gloves to avoid inhaling dust
Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes; wash hands thoroughly with clean water after operation
Do not mix with strong acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid) to prevent splashing caused by the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide gas
Storage Requirements
Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated warehouse, keep away from humid environments to prevent moisture absorption and caking
Store separately from acids and ammonium salts to avoid chemical reactions caused by mixed storage
Sodium carbonate decahydrate should be sealed in packaging to prevent efflorescence and loss of crystal water
Emergency First Aid
Skin Contact: Immediately rinse the affected area with plenty of running water for 10–15 minutes, and apply moisturizer to relieve dryness
Eye Contact: Quickly lift the eyelids and rinse with running water or normal saline for 15 minutes; seek medical attention if discomfort persists
Inhalation: Move the victim to a well-ventilated area with fresh air, keep the airway open, and supply oxygen if necessary
Ingestion: Drink plenty of warm water for dilution, do not induce vomiting, and seek medical treatment promptly

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