natriumcarbonat

Natriumcarbonat, commonly known as sodium carbonate, soda ash, or washing soda, is an inorganic salt with the formula Na2CO3. It is a white, soluble, alkaline solid that forms a strongly basic solution in water. The compound occurs naturally in evaporite deposits and is found in minerals such as trona (Na2CO3·NaHCO3·2H2O). In commerce it is supplied as an anhydrous solid or as hydrates, most often the decahydrate Na2CO3·10H2O.

Industrial production is dominated by the Solvay process, in which NaCl brine is treated with ammonia and carbon dioxide to yield sodium carbonate and calcium chloride as a by-product; historically it was produced by the Leblanc process or lime-soda methods. The Solvay process is energy-efficient and integrated with limestone (CaCO3) feedstock.

Physical properties include a white, opaque solid with high solubility in water. In solution, sodium carbonate behaves as a strong base (pH around 11 or higher in 0.1 M) and reacts with acids to release CO2.

Primary uses are as a glassmaking flux, a builder in detergents and cleaners, the paper and pulp industry, water softening by precipitating calcium and magnesium ions, and as a food additive or raising agent in some jurisdictions (listed as E500 in the food additive codes).

Safety considerations: solid and concentrated solutions are caustic and can cause skin and eye irritation. It should be handled with appropriate protective equipment, and releases to the environment should be avoided or minimized.