About Washing Soda | Use And Application of Washing Soda

What is Washing Soda (Na₂CO₃ 10H₂O)

Washing Soda is Sodium Carbonate decahydrate. Its chemical formula is Na₂CO₃ 10H2O. It is a molecule of sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) having ten molecules of water of crystallization. Anhydrous carbonate i.e., Na₂CO₃ is also called soda ash. It is locally also known as Reh and Sajji.

Also Check: Baking Soda  | Epsom salt  | Glucose | Amino Acids

Related Links: Periodic Table Element | Metal | Electogravity

Properties of Washing Soda

1. Washing soda is a transparent crystalline solid.

2. When it is exposed to air then it losses 9 molecules of water of crystallization and formed monohydrate. This process is known as efflorescence.

Efflorescence: Certain hydrate crystalline salts when exposed to the atmosphere at ordinary temperature, lose their water of crystalline molecule and become anhydrous. These are known as efflorescent substances/salts and this property is known as efflorescence. It is maximum at high temperatures and under dry weather conditions. Examples. Washing soda, Epsom salt and blue vitriol.

3. When washing soda is heated then it looses all of its water molecule.

Anh. Sodium Carbonate also called soda ash.

4. Washing soda in water turns red litmus into blue means it is alkaline in nature.

5. Washing soda is one of the few metal carbonates which are soluble in water.

Uses of Washing Soda

1. It is used in softening hard water. It prevents wastage of soap, when water used for washing clothes is hard in nature.

2. It is an important laboratory reagent and is used as standard base in acid–base titrations.

3. It is a common household cleansing agent.

4. It is used in the manufacture of glass and dry soap powders.

5. It is used in the manufacture of caustic soda, borax, sodium phosphate and water glass.