Sodium carbonate

Sodium carbonate is a chemical compound. It is composed of sodium and carbonate ions. Its chemical formula is Na2CO3. It is a base. It reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide. It is produced industrially by the Solvay process. It is used to make glass. It is also used in pools and cooking. It is used as an electrolyte.

Preparation
It is made by the reaction of sodium hydroxide with carbon dioxide. Water is also a byproduct during this reaction. It is also made when sodium bicarbonate is heated.

The balanced chemical equation for sodium hydroxide and carbon dioxide is:

2 NaOH + CO2 —> Na2CO3 + H2O

The balanced chemical equation for sodium bicarbonate decomposition (heating) is:

2 NaHCO3 —> Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2

Related pages
Natron
Sodium chlorate
Potassium carbonate

Category:Sodium salts
Category:Carbonates