Sodium carbonate, Na2C03, also known as soda or soda ash,is the most important of the industrial alkalis. Sodium carbonate is a kind of important raw material for chemical industry with wide application.

Soda ash is the important raw material for making glass, soaps, detergents, textiles, leather, spices, dyes, medicines, etc. It can be used for analysis reagents and also used for the pharmaceutical industry and photoengraving.

It has numerous functions: an antioxidant, a curing and pickling agent, a flavoring agent, a processing aid, a sequestrant, and an agent for ph control. It is used in instant soups to neutralize acidity. It is used in alginate water des- sert gels to sequester the calcium, allowing the alginate to solubilize. It is also used in puddings, sauces, and baked goods.