SODA ASH (soda, calcined; sodium carbonate, anhydrous). Na2CO3 CAS: 497-19-8 The crude sodium carbonate of commerce 10th highest volume chemical produced in the US (1985). Properties: Grayish white powder or lumps containing up to 99% sodium carbonate, soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol. Noncombustible. Derivation: For nearly a century most of the soda ash produced in the US has been made synthetically by the ammonia soda (solvay) process. Largely because of high-energy cost and strict pollution controls, most of synthetic production is being abandoned in favor of the natural product obtained from deposits in Utah, California, Wyoming, etc. One of the largest producing sites is the natural product is in Green River, Wyoming. Impurities: Sodium Chloride, Sodium Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate and Magnesium carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate. Grade: Dense 58%, extra light, Natural, redefined. Use: Glass manufacture, chemicals, pulp and paper manufacturer, sodium compounds, soaps and detergents, water treatment, aluminum production, textile processing, cleaning preparations, petroleum refining, sealing ponds from leakage, catalyst in coal liquefaction.