Sodium Carbonate

1Identification

Name

Sodium Carbonate

IUPAC name

disodium;carbonate

CAS number

497-19-8

EC number

207-838-8

Molecular formula

CNa2O3

Molecular weight

105.988 g/mol

InChIKey

CDBYLPFSWZWCQE-UHFFFAOYSA-L

SMILES

C(=O)([O-])[O-].[Na+].[Na+]

PubChem CID

10340

Synonyms

SODIUM CARBONATE, Soda Ash, Disodium carbonate, Carbonic acid disodium salt, Sodium carbonate, anhydrous, Calcined soda, Solvay soda, Sodium carbonate anhydrous, Washing soda, Bisodium carbonate, Carbonic acid, disodium salt, Carbonic acid sodium salt, Carbonic acid sodium salt (1:2), Soda, calcined

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Sodium Carbonate
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Used to make glass and inorganic sodium compounds, in detergents and cleansers, pulp and paper production, water treatment, aluminum production, textile processing (cleaning, bleaching, and dye assist formulation), petroleum refining, coal liquefaction, photography, mining (uranium and lithium recovery), flue gas desulfurization, decontaminating radioactive surfaces, sealing ponds from leakage, effluent and acid waste neutralization, consumer products (i.e. cosmetics, scouring powders, and clothes, dish, and floor cleaners), boiler water compounds, as food additive, analytical reagent, pharmaceutic aid (alkalizing agent), and in human and veterinary medicine;
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Aluminum Producing [Category: Industry] Petroleum Production and Refining [Category: Industry] Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry] Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry] Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean] Mining [Category: Industry] Sewer and Wastewater Treatment [Category: Industry] Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry] Photographic Processing [Category: Other] Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry] Glass Manufacturing [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Oxidizing agent Softener and conditioner Adsorbent Solids separation (precipitating) agent, not otherwise specified Chelating agent Etching agent Intermediate Reducing agent Stabilizing agent Catalyst Ion exchange agent Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Flux agent Absorbent Cleaning agent Plating agent Chemical reaction regulator Bleaching agent pH regulating agent Processing aids not otherwise specified Tanning agents not otherwise specified Surfactant (surface active agent) Binder Other Lubricating agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Other Binder Lubricating agent Foamant Bleaching agent pH regulating agent Processing aids not otherwise specified Surfactant (surface active agent) Reducing agent Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Filler Cleaning agent Softener and conditioner Chelating agent Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Processing Aids and Additives · Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern · Food additives · Food Additives -> ACIDITY_REGULATOR -> JECFA Functional Classes

Description

• Sodium carbonate is an organic sodium salt and a carbonate salt.
  ChEBI
• Sodium Carbonate is the disodium salt of carbonic acid with alkalinizing property. When dissolved in water, sodium carbonate forms carbonic acid and sodium hydroxide. As a strong base, sodium hydroxide neutralizes gastric acid thereby acting as an antacid.
  DrugBank
• Soda is a beverage consisting of carbonated water and a flavoring.
  NCI Thesaurus (NCIt)

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

7 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

Fire hazards

• Not combustible. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. See Chemical dangers
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Occurs naturally as the hydrate (thermonatrite) and the decahydrate (natron or natrite); Technical material referred to as soda ash (approximately 99% pure); A skin irritant; Overexposure to dust or vapor causes mucous membrane irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath (chronic overexposure may cause nasal septum perforation); The monohydrate (CAS# 5968-11-6) and decahydrate (CAS# 6132-02-1) are also commercial products; [Merck Index] Skin irritation is none to mild; Dust or concentrated solutions are moderate to severe eye irritants; Cases of nasal septal perforation have been reported in men with continuous exposure to soda ash dust.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 4 of the supplier's SDS.

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Carbon oxides, sodium oxides.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance, safety goggles and protective gloves. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Dry. Well closed. Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Hygroscopic. Keep in a dry place. Storage class (TRGS 510): Non Combustible Solids.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Calcined soda ash is hygroscopic, gradually taking up moisture and carbon dioxide during transportation and storage. This converts the surface of sodium carbonate to the bicarbonate and leads to a weight increase of up to 17%. Soda ash is therefore best stored in closed, dry areas.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Keep well closed.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Eye/face protection: Safety glasses with side-shields conforming to EN 166. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Body Protection: Impervious clothing. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Respiratory protection: For nuisance exposures use type P95 (US) or type P1 (EU EN 143) particle respirator. For higher level protection use type OV/AG/P99 (US) or type ABEK-P2 (EU EN 143) respirator cartridges. Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• The anhydrous reaction of sodium carbonate & phosphorus pentoxide, initiated by local heating, can generate relatively high temp.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Decomposition by acids with effervescende; combines with water with evolution of heat.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• When sodium carbonate was applied to red hot aluminum, an explosion occurred.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Hygroscopic. Stable under recommended storage conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is severely irritating to the eyes. The substance is mildly irritating to the skin and respiratory tract.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• The substance may have effects on the respiratory tract. This may result in perforation of the nasal septum. Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Product Offer: Surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• An exemption from the requirement of a tolerance is established for residues of sodium carbonate.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The Agency has completed its assessment of the dietary, residential, occupational and ecological risks associated with the use of pesticide products containing the active ingredient sodium carbonate. Based on a review of the data and other available information for the active ingredient, sodium carbonate the Agency has sufficient information on the human health and ecological effects of sodium carbonate to make decisions as part of the tolerance reassessment process under FFDCA and reregistration process under FIFRA, as amended by FQPA. The Agency has determined that sodium carbonate containing products are eligible for reregistration.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Substance added directly to human food affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 10340 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.