Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash Light)

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Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash Light) is an inorganic white powder with the chemical formula Na₂CO₃. It is a key industrial alkali used in glass manufacturing, water treatment, and chemical production. This light-density form is highly soluble and reacts with acids to form salts, making it essential for pH regulation and as a cleaning agent in various industrial processes.

Description
Table of Contents

Uses

Primary Uses
Glass Manufacturing

  • Lowers melting point of silica in glass production (70% of global use).
  • Improves chemical durability of glass products.

Chemical Production

  • Precursor for sodium compounds (bicarbonate, silicates, phosphates).
  • pH regulator in chemical synthesis processes.

Water Treatment

  • Softens hard water by precipitating calcium/magnesium ions.
  • Neutralizes acidic wastewater streams.

Detergents & Cleaners

  • Key ingredient in powdered detergents and laundry boosters.
  • Degreases surfaces in industrial cleaning formulations.

Pulp & Paper

  • Pulping agent in kraft process for paper production.
  • pH adjuster in bleaching operations.

Secondary Uses
Food Industry

  • pH control agent in food processing (E500).
  • Water softener in beverage production.

Textile Processing

  • Scouring agent for wool and cotton fibers.
  • Fixes dyes to fabrics.

Metallurgy

  • Flux in smelting operations.
  • Extracts tungsten from ores.

Swimming Pools

  • Raises pH and alkalinity of pool water.

Photography

  • pH buffer in developing solutions.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Sodium carbonate
  • Common/Trade Name: Soda Ash Light, Washing Soda
  • CAS Number: 497-19-8
  • HS Code: 2836.20.00
  • Synonyms: Disodium carbonate, Carbonic acid disodium salt

Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: White crystalline powder
  • Color & Odor: White; odorless
  • Solubility: 22 g/100 mL water (20°C)
  • Density: 2.54 g/cm³
  • pH: 11.5 (1% solution)

Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • GHS Classification: Skin/Eye Irritant (Category 2)
  • Toxicity: LD₅₀ 4,000 mg/kg (oral, rat)
  • Exposure Limits: TWA 2 mg/m³ (respirable dust)

Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Dry, well-ventilated area
  • Container Type: Poly-lined bags or fiber drums
  • Shelf Life: Indefinite if kept dry
  • Handling Precautions: Use dust mask and goggles

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • FDA 21 CFR 184.1742 (food-grade)
  • REACH registered
  • Meets FCC and USP standards

Environmental & Health Impact

  • Biodegradability: Not applicable (inorganic)
  • Ecotoxicity: LC₅₀ >100 mg/L (fish)
  • Bioaccumulation: None
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

  • PPE Required: Gloves, goggles, dust respirator
  • Handling Guidelines: Avoid dust generation
  • Storage Measures: Separate from acids

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air
  • Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of water
  • Eye Contact: Rinse for 15 minutes
  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink water

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Non-combustible
  • Extinguishing Media: Water spray
  • Hazardous Combustion Products: None