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

Acidulants
Antioxidants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Fresh Herbs
Ground Spices
Whole Spices
Spice Blends
Dried Herbs
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders