Overview
Sodium carbonate (CAS 497-19-8 ), commonly known as soda ash or washing soda, is an inorganic alkali supplied across industrial, food, and pharmaceutical markets. As E500 , it functions as an acidity regulator and raising agent in food manufacturing.
Across broader industry, it serves as a pH control agent, flux, and processing alkali in applications ranging from glass production to water treatment. In glass manufacturing, it lowers the melting point of silica, reducing energy costs in furnace operations.
This makes it one of the highest-volume industrial uses globally. Pulp and paper producers use it to regulate pH during chemical pulping and bleaching stages. In water treatment, it adjusts alkalinity to prevent pipe corrosion and support downstream coagulation processes.
Food and pharmaceutical formulators use it as a leavening component, buffering agent, and pH modifier in both solid and liquid systems. Sodium carbonate is available as a dense or light powder, granules, and anhydrous flakes, with particle size and bulk density varying by grade.
Standard commercial grades include food-grade ( FCC ), pharmaceutical-grade ( USP / Ph. Eur. ), and technical-grade for industrial use. Soda ash dense and soda ash light are the two primary industrial forms, differing in bulk density and handling characteristics.
The material is also available in compliance with BP , EP , and ACS standards for laboratory and specialized manufacturing. These high-purity grades ensure consistent performance in sensitive chemical reactions and pharmaceutical formulations.
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Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 851 °C |
| Boiling Point | 1600 °C |
| Density | 2.53 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | white odourless powder |
| Color | White |
| Odor | at 100.00?%. odorless |
| Form | Solid |
| Water Solubility | 22 g/100 mL (20 ºC) |
| Refractive Index | 1.535 |
| pH | 11.16 (4g/l, H2O, 25℃) |
Safety & Handling
Warning GHS07 GHS05 Hazard Statements H318 Causes serious eye damage H319 Causes serious eye irritation H332 Harmful if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness Precautionary Statements P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 28362000 |
| UN Number | 3082 |
| ADR Class | 9 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Other Names
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Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 497-19-8
- EC Number
- 207-838-8
- Mol. Weight
- 105.988
- HS Code
- 28362000
- Category
- Alkalis & Bases