Sodium carbonate

 

Sodium carbonate

Chemical formula	Na2CO3
Molar Mass(g/mol)	106
Density(g/cc)	2.54
Melting Point(°C)	851
Boiling Point(°C)	1600
Solubility in water(g/L)	251
Solubility in ethanol(g/L)	insoluble
NFPA 704	0 1 1
Thermal decomposition of Sodium carbonate
33.5	10-hydrate 33.5°C 7-hydrate
40	7-hydrate 40°C hydrate
100	hydrate 100°C anhydrous

Uses

Primary

• Essential component for many kinds of glass
• Safe counteraction for acids
• Primary input salt for metathesis reactions with calcium salts
• Feedstock for sodium bicarbonate

Natural occurrence

• Sodium carbonate occurs naturally in wood ash from salt-loving plants like kelp and dwarf saltwort.

Production

Extraction

• See potash

Synthesis

From sodium bicarbonate

• Heat sodium bicarbonate to 200°C to rapidly decompose it to sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide and water

  2 NaHCO₃

  {

  →

  ≥200°C}

  Na₂CO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O

Disposal

Sodium carbonate can be disposed of into the soil. Disposing of it into waterways is less preferred.