Soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), is an alkali chemical. It most commonly occurs as a crystalline decahydrate, which readily effloresces to form a white powder, the monohydrate. Pure sodium carbonate is a white, odorless powder that is hygroscopic It has a strongly alkaline taste, and forms a moderately basic solution in water. 

Soda ash also is used to clean the air and soften water. As environmental concerns grow, demand increases for soda ash used in the removal of sulfur dioxide and hydrochloric acid from stack gases. Chemical producers use soda ash as an intermediate to manufacture products that sweeten soft drinks (corn sweeteners), relieve physical discomfort (sodium bicarbonate) and improve foods and toiletries (phosphates). Household detergents and paper products are a few other common examples of readily identifiable products using soda ash.


Na2CO3 99.2% Min
Na2O 58% Min
Na Cl 0.2% Max
SO4 0.135% Max
Insoluble in water 0.05% Max