Sodium carbonate

Sodium carbonate (CAS 497-19-8), commonly known as soda ash or washing soda, is an inorganic alkali supplied across industrial, food, and pharmaceutical markets. As E500, it functions as an acidity regulator and raising agent in food manufacturing.

Across broader industry, it serves as a pH control agent, flux, and processing alkali in applications ranging from glass production to water treatment. In glass manufacturing, it lowers the melting point of silica, reducing energy costs in furnace operations.

This makes it one of the highest-volume industrial uses globally. Pulp and paper producers use it to regulate pH during chemical pulping and bleaching stages. In water treatment, it adjusts alkalinity to prevent pipe corrosion and support downstream coagulation processes.

Food and pharmaceutical formulators use it as a leavening component, buffering agent, and pH modifier in both solid and liquid systems. Sodium carbonate is available as a dense or light powder, granules, and anhydrous flakes, with particle size and bulk density varying by grade.

Standard commercial grades include food-grade (FCC), pharmaceutical-grade (USP/Ph. Eur.), and technical-grade for industrial use. Soda ash dense and soda ash light are the two primary industrial forms, differing in bulk density and handling characteristics.

The material is also available in compliance with BP, EP, and ACS standards for laboratory and specialized manufacturing. These high-purity grades ensure consistent performance in sensitive chemical reactions and pharmaceutical formulations.