Sodium carbonate, Na₂CO₃, is the inorganic compound with the formula Na₂CO₃ and its various hydrates. All forms are white, odourless, water-soluble salts that yield moderately alkaline solutions in water. Historically it was extracted from the ashes of plants growing in sodium-rich soils.
Industrial applications – Being a highly soluble substance, soda ash is used for numerous chemical reactions. It's mostly used as an ingredient in the manufacture of dyes and coloring agents, synthetic detergents and fertilizers. It's also an important chemical agent used in enameling and petroleum industries.
