Sodium carbonate is a chemical compound which is soluble in water and also in alcohol, although to a small extent only. Pure sodium carbonate is very reactive, as it absorbs moisture from the air. In its purest form it is white in colour and does not possess any kind of smell. It has an alkaline taste, and when in water contributes to a water solution that is strongly alkaline. Sodium carbonate is a basic chemical that is used in a wide variety of industrial applications. Sodium carbonate decahydrate is a crystalline compound, the common name for which is washing soda.
The Solvay process is largely used to extract sodium carbonate and make it available for industrial usage. It is mostly obtained in large deposits that occur naturally, mined mostly in Wyoming. It is also obtained from lake brines in California, along with other chemicals.
The Solvay process is largely used to extract sodium carbonate and make it available for industrial usage. It is mostly obtained in large deposits that occur naturally, mined mostly in Wyoming. It is also obtained from lake brines in California, along with other chemicals.
