Substance profile
Sodium carbonate
Sodium carbonate is grayish-white powder or lumps containing up to 99% sodium carbonate and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Sodium carbonate is
Sodium carbonate is grayish-white powder or lumps containing up to 99% sodium carbonate and is odorless. Its molecular formula is CNa2O3 and its molecular weight is 105.988 g/mol. It melts at 856 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
Other names for Sodium carbonate
- soda ash
- washing soda
- Na2CO3
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P264, P280, P305, P313, P337, P338
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Sodium carbonate properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | Decomposes on heating by CO2 loss | decomposes | HSDB |
| Melting point | 856 °C (1572.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 851 °C (1563.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 2.54 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 4.7 g/cm³ | HSDB | ||
| 2.5 g/cm³ | ICSC | ||
| Solubility | Solubility in water at 0, 10, 20 and 30 °C is 6, 8.5, 17 and 28 wt %, respectively. | HSDB | |
| Soluble in water | HSDB | ||
| In water, 30.7 g/100 g water at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Sodium carbonate
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Hygroscopic. Keep in a dry place. Storage class (TRGS 510): Non Combustible Solids.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
The anhydrous reaction of sodium carbonate & phosphorus pentoxide, initiated by local heating, can generate relatively high temp.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Sodium carbonate in the storage compatibility matrix →
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