Question

Give 10 important uses of sodium carbonate

Answer 1

Two forms of sodium carbonate (soda ash) are used -heavy and light.  The light form is obtained first and some is then converted into the heavy form.  Light sodium carbonate contains less than 0.5% sodium chloride. Heavy sodium carbonate is obtained by hydrating light sodium carbonate to the monohydrate (Na2CO3.H2O) and then dehydrating it to give a product with an increased crystal size and density.

The two grades have different uses.

The major uses of heavy sodium carbonate are as a solid, particularly in making glass, where it is used as a flux in the melting of silica (sand).

The uses for light sodium carbonate are traditionally where the chemical is required in solution.