Application
Sodium carbonate decahydrate, commonly known as sal soda or washing soda, serves multiple purposes across a variety of industries and applications due to its versatile properties. With the chemical formula Na2CO3.10H2O, this translucent crystalline solid is a key raw material in the production of glass, paper, soap, detergent, textiles, and leather. Its role extends to being a food additive and serving as a precipitation agent in analytical laboratories. The compound is also integral to the preparation of eutectic hydrate salts for thermal energy storage and can be dehydrated to generate cold heat via chemical heat pumps. In the pharmaceutical field, sodium carbonate is utilized as an alkalizing agent in various formulations and is crucial in effervescent tablets, where it reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide, aiding in tablet disintegration. It also acts as a strong base and powerful electrolyte, finding use in metal refining and cement production. Additionally, its hygroscopic and odorless nature, along with an alkaline taste, makes it an effective oral antacid.