Washing soda (Na2CO3 .10H2O)

Washing soda (Na₂CO₃ .10H₂O)
It can be obtained from sodium chloride is
Na₂CO₃ .10H₂O (washing soda).

Sodium carbonate can be obtained by heating baking soda; recrystallisation of
sodium carbonate gives washing soda. It is also a basic salt.
Na₂ CO₃ + 10 H₂ O → Na₂ CO₃.10 H₂ O
Sodium carbonate

What does 10H₂O signify ? Does it make Na₂CO₃ wet ? We will address this question in the next section.
Sodium carbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate are useful chemicals for many industrial processes as well.

Uses of washing soda

(i) Sodium carbonate (washing soda) is used in glass, soap and paper industries.
(ii) It is used in the manufacture of sodium compounds such as borax.
(iii) Sodium carbonate can be used as a cleaning agent for domestic purposes.
(iv) It is used for removing permanent hardness of water.