What Is Sodium Carbonate Decahydrate?

Identification

• Sodium carbonate decahydrate differs from standard sodium carbonate in that each molecule is hydrated by 10 molecules of water. It appears as a white, semi-transparent crystal and is denoted by the chemical formula Na2CO3.10H20.

Sources

• Natural minerals contain sodium carbonate decahydrate, particularly natron, a mineral found around the world in dry regions and salt lake beds. The ammonia-soda process also can produce the compound synthetically.

Function

• Sodium carbonate decahydrate serves as a household cleaner and powerful stain remover for laundry, helps with bleaching cotton and linen, and has laboratory uses in standardizing acids.

History

• Natron was one of the key ingredients that Egyptians used in the mummification process. The mineral, found in Egypt's dry river beds, absorbed fluids from the body to prevent decay.

Warning

• Sodium carbonate decahydrate is not highly toxic, but can be deadly if swallowed in large doses. It also can irritate the eyes and skin after prolonged exposure; inhaling its dust might aggravate existing lung conditions as well, such as asthma.