Sodium Carbonate(Na2CO3)

Sodium Carbonate is an alkaline inorganic compound. There are many chemicals and compounds present in our surroundings that have different physical and chemical characteristics as well as different uses. All the things that we see around us are made up of certain compounds.

In this article, we will learn about Sodium Carbonate including its common name, sodium carbonate formula, molar mass, etc. Other than these things, we will also learn, how sodium carbonate is prepared in laboratories (synthesis of sodium carbonate), and the chemical and physical properties of sodium carbonate.

What is Sodium Carbonate?

Sodium Carbonate is an ionic and inorganic compound as it contains no hydrocarbons. As we know sodium hydroxide is corrosive in nature, and this salt of sodium is not corrosive and thus can be safely handled. Chemically sodium carbonate is considered to be a disodium salt of carbonic acid. It exists in powder form and is white. It acts as a strong base in many reactions. In this article, we shall discuss sodium carbonate in detail.

Sodium Carbonate Common Name

Sodium carbonate is commonly known as soda ash, washing soda, or soda crystals as it is used in the manufacture of washing powder, soap, and detergents.

Sodium Carbonate Chemical Formula

Sodium Carbonate is an ionic compound and carries a net zero charge and it’s structure is illustrated in the following heading. As we can see in the below diagram, it consists of 2 Sodium atoms (Na), 1 Carbon atom (C), and 3 Oxygen atoms (O). Thus sodium carbonate has a chemical formula of Na₂CO₃.

Sodium Carbonate Molecular Structure

The Carbon atom forms a covalent bond with the three oxygen atoms. One of the oxygen atoms is attached through a double bond whereas two oxygen atoms are attached through single bonds and carry a charge of -1 which result in the formation of a carbonate ion with a net charge of -2. This charge of -2 is balanced by ionic bond formation with Na ions which carry a charge of +1 each and thus balance the -2 charge. Thus net charge on the molecule comes out to be zero.

Molar Mass of Sodium Carbonate

We know that the molar mass of any compound is the sum of the product of the molar masses of the constituent atoms and their number present in a molecule. So, the molar mass of Na₂CO₃ will be equal to the sum of the molar mass of two Na atoms, one Carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms.

Molar mass of Na = 23 g/mol

Molar mass of C = 12 g/mol

Molar mass of O = 16 g/mol

Thus, molar mass of Na₂CO₃ = 2 × Molar mass of Na + Molar mass of C + 3 × Molar mass of O

⇒ Molar mass of Na₂CO₃ = 2 × 23 + 12 + 3 × 16

⇒ Molar mass of Na₂CO₃ = 46 + 12 + 48

⇒ Molar mass of Na₂CO₃ = 106 g/mol

Anhydrous Sodium Carbonate

Sodium carbonate generally exists in hydrous form with 10 molecules of water of crystallization. It has a formula Na₂CO₃.10H₂O. When this hydrous sodium carbonate is strongly heated, the water of crystallization is lost and we are left with only sodium carbonate. This is known as sodium carbonate anhydrous.

Reaction of Sodium Carbonate with Hydrochloric Acid

• Reaction of Sodium carbonate with Hydrochloric acid gives Sodium chloride salt and Sodium hydrogen carbonate.
• It is an acid-base reaction where sodium carbonate acts as a base while hydrochloric acid is an acid that leads to the formation of a salt. This reaction is called the Neutralisation reaction.

Sodium Carbonate and HCl forms,

Na₂CO₃ + HCl → NaCl + H₂O + CO₂

Sodium Carbonate Vs Sodium Bicarbonate

There are some key differences between sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, some of these differences are listed in the following table:

Property	Sodium Carbonate	Sodium Bicarbonate
Chemical Formula	Na2CO3	NaHCO3
Common Name	Soda Ash	Baking Soda
Molar Mass	105.99 g/mol	84.01 g/mol
Appearance	White powder	White crystalline powder
pH	Alkaline (pH 11-12)	Slightly alkaline (pH 8.2)
Uses	Manufacturing glass, detergents, and soaps	Baking, cooking, antacid, household cleaning
Decomposition	Decomposes at high temperatures (above 851°C or 1564°F)	Decomposes upon heating (above 50°C or 122°F)
Reaction with Acids	Reacts vigorously, releases carbon dioxide gas	Reacts slowly, releases carbon dioxide gas
Solubility	Soluble in water	Soluble in water
Health Concerns	Irritating to skin and eyes, harmful if ingested in large amounts	Generally safe for common uses, but large amounts may cause stomach upset

Synthesis of Sodium Carbonate – Na₂CO₃

Sodium carbonate can be manufactured commercially using the Soda Solvay process. This process was developed by Ernst Solvay and is very economical as the amount of waste products produced is very less. It is also called the ammonia-soda process. The synthesis of sodium carbonate using this process involves the following reactions:

• Step 1: In this step Ammonia (NH3) and Carbon dioxide (CO2) are passed through a very cold solution of sodium chloride (NaCl). This reaction leads to the formation of ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3).

2NH₃ + H₂O + CO₂ →(NH₄)₂CO₃

(NH₄​)₂​CO₃​ + H₂​O + CO₂ ​→ 2NH₄​HCO_3​

Step 2: Now sodium chloride or common salt is added to the ammonium bicarbonate formed in the previous step. This results in the formation of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and sodium hydrogen carbonate (NH4HCO3). Sodium hydrogen carbonate, being very less soluble precipitates.

NH₄​HCO₃​ + NaCl → NH₄​Cl + NaHCO₃​

Properties of Sodium Carbonate

The properties of Sodium Carbonate are as follows

Na2Co3	Sodium Carbonate
Molecular Weight	105.9888 g/mol
Density	2.54 g/cm³
Boiling Point	1,600 °C
Melting Point	851 °C

Physical Properties of Sodium Carbonate

Sodium carbonate possesses the following physical properties:

• It exists in a hydrated form with 10 molecules of water of crystallization.
• It is basic in nature and turns red litmus blue.
• It is white in color and odorless in nature.
• It possesses a molecular weight/ molar mass of 105.9888 g/mol.
• It has a density of 2.54g/cm³.
• It has a boiling point of 1600^o C and a melting point of 851^o C
• Sodium carbonate has a pH value of 11 and is a very strong base.

Chemical Properties of Sodium Carbonate

Sodium carbonate possesses the following chemical properties:

• It is highly stable and melts without decomposition.
• When dissolved in water it forms a slightly basic solution as it reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

Na₂​CO₃​ + H₂​O → Na⁺ + OH⁻ + H₂​CO₃

When dissolved in water, it absorbs carbon dioxide leading to the formation of sodium hydrogen carbonate.

Na_2​CO₃​ + H₂​O + CO₂​ → 2NaHCO₃​

• Sodium carbonate reacts with acids to form sodium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide.

Na₂​CO₃​ + 2HCl → 2NaCl + H₂​O + CO₂​(g)

Uses of Sodium Carbonate

Sodium carbonate is used for various purposes in industries and laboratories. Various uses of sodium carbonate are as follows:

• It is used to produce detergents, soaps, and paper.
• In the brick-making industry, it can be used for welting purposes.
• It is also used to make water glass, borax, and many other products.
• The foam in toothpaste is formed due to sodium carbonate.
• It can be used to modify the pH of compounds.
• It can be used to treat hard water as the magnesium and calcium in hard water precipitate on adding sodium carbonate.
• It can also be used as an analytical reagent in laboratories.
• It is used for tanning in the leather industry.
• It acts as an anticaking agent and stabilizer in food.
• Rayon is also manufactured using sodium carbonate.

Sodium Carbonate FAQs

What Is Sodium Carbonate?

Sodium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula Na2CO3. It is commonly known as soda ash or washing soda.

What Is the pH of Sodium Carbonate?

The pH of sodium carbonate depends on its concentration when dissolved in water. A 0.1 M solution of sodium carbonate has a pH of around 11-12, which makes it alkaline or basic.

What Is Sodium Carbonate Also Known As?

Sodium carbonate is also known as soda ash, soda crystals, or washing soda.

What Is the Molecular Formula of Sodium Carbonate?

The molecular formula of sodium carbonate is Na2CO3, indicating that each molecule consists of two sodium (Na) atoms, one carbon (C) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms.

What Is Sodium Carbonate Decahydrate?

Sodium carbonate decahydrate is a hydrated form of sodium carbonate. It has the chemical formula Na₂CO₃·10H₂O, meaning that each molecule contains ten water (H₂O) molecules attached to the sodium carbonate.

Is Sodium Carbonate an Acid or Base?

Sodium carbonate is a base. It reacts with water to produce hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution, which gives it alkaline properties.

What will you Observe on dipping a pH Strip in a Solution of Sodium Carbonate Solution?

When a pH strip is dipped in sodium carbonate solution, it will turn deep blue as the pH of sodium carbonate is nearly 11 and it is highly basic in nature.

What is the Formula for Sodium Carbonate Decahydrate?

The formula for sodium carbonate decahydrate is Na₂CO₃.10H₂O.

What are the Hazards Related to Sodium Carbonate?

• Skin and Eye Irritation
• Inhalation Hazard
• Ingestion
• Environmental Impact
• Mixing with Incompatible Substances
• Dust Control