Today’s entry is about Sodium Carbonate. We are going to speak about the properties of this wonderful natural chemical element, and also how we can use it as a powerful cleanser. First of all, I have to admit that, creating this post is merely just to fulfill my scientific nerdy soul. Chemistry is fun! Once you get to know all the chemical elements that are readily available in our daily life, you will realize it is fun to formulate and turn them into our household cleaning products.
What is sodium carbonate
Sodium carbonate also called soda ash; soda ash and soda crystals is the inorganic compound with the formula Na2CO3 and its various hydrates. All forms are white, odorless, water-soluble salts that yield moderately alkaline solutions in water.
It has the below properties:
- molecular weight: 105.99 g/mol.
- boiling point: 1600ā.
- melting point: 851 ā.
- density: 2.54 g/cm3.
Making sodium carbonate from sodium bicarbonate
You can buy the environmentally friendly cleaner in the form of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda. Unlike sodium bicarbonate which is easily accessible almost everywhere, sodium carbonate is usually not readily available in the supermarket. Anyway, it’s more fun and gratifying to make it yourself.
For this DIY project, you will need,
- Pyrex ovenproof glassware
- electronic balance, and of course
- baking soda
Here’s the recipe for how to make your sodium carbonate from sodium bicarbonate.
Sodium Carbonate
Course: Household Recipe, SciencesDifficulty: Easy333
g1
hourIngredients & Tools
500g Sodium Bicarbonate
Ovenproof glassware
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 150Ā°C.
- Weigh and transfer your sodium bicarbonate into ovenproof glassware. Spread evenly over your ovenproof glassware, about 1~2cm depth.
- Once the oven is done heating, put your glassware in to bake for one hour.
- Remove from the oven and, when cool, store in an airtight container; be careful not to handle the baked baking soda with bare skin.
Notes
- The ovenproof glassware has to have area enough to spread thinly and evenly the sodium bicarbonate on it.
- If the thickness of the baking soda is more than 1~2cm in your baking container, you will take a longer time to bake.
- By tracking the change in weight of the baking soda as it bakes, you will know when the transformation from sodium bicarbonate to sodium carbonate is complete.
- Do not let the baked baking soda come in contact with your skin, as it is a caustic substance. If you do make contact with the baked baking soda, flush the area thoroughly with water.
- Sealed in an airtight container, the baked baking soda will keep indefinitely.
The Science Behind heating sodium carbonate
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and sodium carbonate (washing soda) are similar molecules. The difference is how much water is incorporated into the molecule. During heating, the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) will release water and carbon dioxide, leaving pure sodium carbonate, a far stronger alkali. (The powder will still look like baking soda, but you’ll know the conversion has occurred because its weight will have decreased by one-third.) Alkalis break up fats, making them water-soluble, and the stronger the alkali, the stronger the grease-busting effect.
The chemical reaction for the process is:
2 NaHCO3(s) ā Na2CO3(s) + CO2(g) + H2O(g)
Uses of sodium carbonate
So what to do with your freshly baked sodium carbonate. It is a good all-purpose cleaner. Its high alkalinity helps it cut grease, soften water, and disinfect surfaces.
Household Recipe with sodium carbonate
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Calleigh
Hi, I am Calleigh, MEng Chemical Engineering and a process engineer, and I'm here to show you how to DIY your skincare and household products with the correct formulation and using only natural ingredients. I believe that eating good food (Yes I have cooking recipes too!) and living in a chemical-free environment are the keys to having a healthy lifestyle. And that doesn't need to be expensive.
