Sodium carbonate decahydrate is a hydrated form of soda ash also known as washing soda. In various industrial processes, manufacturers use sodium carbonate decahydrate as a cleaning agent and a raw material. Although this substance is water soluble, sodium carbonate decahydrate has toxic properties in large quantities.
Sources
Sodium carbonate decahydrate occurs naturally in arid regions as a result of the evaporation of seasonal lakes. Additionally, sodium carbonate decahydrate erupts from the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano in Tanzania. In the past, sodium carbonate decahydrate also erupted from other volcanoes However, over time, this hydrated form of soda ash has evaporated and eroded from the earth's surface. You also can find deposits of natural sodium carbonate decahydrate in dry Egyptian riverbeds.
Uses
The Egyptians used sodium carbonate decahydrate in the preparation of mummies. Additionally, some manufacturers use sodium carbonate decahydrate to manufacture glass. Other manufacturers use sodium carbonate decahydrate to produce laundry detergents, household cleaners and bleaches. Scientists use sodium carbonate decahydrate in the laboratory to standardize acids.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Sodium carbonate decahydrate is a colorless, white and semitransparent solid. The hydrated soda ash has a pH value of 11.5 when using a 1 percent solution. The vapor density of sodium carbonate decahydrate is 9.9. Sodium carbonate melts at 33 to 34 degrees Celsius. Additionally, sodium carbonate decahydrate has a density of 1.44 and a molecular formula of Na2CO3.10H20.
Notes
Sodium carbonate decahydrate differs from standard sodium carbonate because 10 molecules of water hydrate each sodium decahydrate molecule. If swallowed in large doses, you should seek immediate medical attention as this substance can induce a coma and cause death in large quantities. Prolonged exposure to sodium carbonate decahydrate can also irritate your eyes, skin and lungs.
References
- "Why There's Antifreeze in Your Toothpaste: The Chemistry of Household Ingredients"; Simon Quellen Field; 2007
- "The 100 Most Important Chemical Compounds: A Reference Guide"; Richard L. Myers; 2007
- "Chemical Activities (American Chemical Society Publication)"; Christie L. Borgford, et al.; 1988
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