Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash Light)
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.
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.
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
- 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