Applications
Sodium carbonate is commonly used as an inorganic base and a buffer component in several synthetic organic transformations in both chemical industries and research laboratories. Often used as an electrolyte, sodium carbonate acts as a very good conductor in the process of electrolysis. Apart from being used as a common chemical/biological/biotechnological laboratory reagent, it is also used as a water softener in laundering, processing wood pulp, cleaners, and making glass. It can be used for standardization of acids, and qualitative testing of cations. In dyeing with fiber-reactive dyes, sodium carbonate is used to ensure proper chemical bonding of the dye with cellulose fibers.

Solubility
Soluble in water. Slightly soluble in aq. alcohol. Insoluble in carbon disulphide, acetone, and alkyl acetates.

Notes
m.p. 851° (begins to lose CO{2} at 400°)It is hygroscopic in nature, and absorbs moisture from air. On heating, it begins to lose carbon dioxide at about 400 °C.