Sodium carbonate
Molar mass: 105.99 g/mol · Class: Ionic salt
Elements: sodium, carbon, oxygen
Structure
The solid is an ionic lattice of Na+ ions and flat, triangular carbonate ions. It dissolves readily to give a distinctly basic solution, unlike sodium bicarbonate.
Properties
White solid, strongly alkaline in solution
Softens water by precipitating calcium and magnesium
Absorbs moisture from air
Higher pH than sodium bicarbonate
Applications
Glass manufacturing
Laundry detergents and water softeners
pH adjustment in industry
Homemade cleaning solutions (with gloves)
Irritates skin, eyes, and airways: more caustic than baking soda. Wear gloves and goggles when handling the powder or strong solutions. Keep away from children; do not ingest.
Data source: IUPAC standard atomic weights 2021; molar mass computed from Na2CO3