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Turning baking soda into soda crystals

How to obtain sodium carbonate

What is sodium carbonate?

Its chemical formula is Na2CO3.

It's also known as "soda crystals", especially in commercial outlets.

This compound has been widely used in many fields for centuries. For example, in ancient Egypt some 4,000 years ago, it was used to make glass. Today, it can be found in the food industry as a regulated additive under the number E500(i). It is also used in the manufacture of soap, detergents and various other products.

What can sodium carbonate be used for?

It can replace calcium carbonate, which I mention in several recipes on this site. Sodium carbonate (also known as soda crystals) can be used in the same proportions. However, results may vary slightly, especially when used to make lacquer pigments.

You can find it on the market as an eco-friendly household product, but you can also make your own from the more common ingredient baking soda?

Recipe

A few minutes

Easy

Cheap

IMPORTANT

Sodium carbonate is not toxic for the environment, but it can be irritating, so avoid touching it and, above all, do not ingest it.

For your own safety, we recommend you wear a mask and rubber gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area, either outdoors or with windows open and the range hood on to avoid inhaling fumes.

Ingredients

  • Bicarbonate of soda

Utensils

1 oven
Wooden Spatula
1 wooden spatula

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat your oven to around 200-250°C.

Step 2

Spread a very thin layer of bicarbonate in the dish. Use a spatula to distribute it evenly.

Step 3

Place the dish in the hot oven, stirring lightly at regular intervals to ensure even cooking.

Keep a close eye on the bicarbonate in the oven, as it must not burn.

Step 4

After a few minutes, air bubbles appear, wait for them to disappear and remove the dish from the oven.

This is sodium bicarbonate, which breaks down into sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) and releases carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Step 5

Soda ash is ready!

Once the powder has cooled, store in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children and pets.

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