Sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash, is a white powder. Although commonly referred to as soda ash, sodium carbonate is actually a salt due to its weakly alkaline solution. The crystals contain结晶水. In the air, sodium carbonate crystals are prone to losing their结晶水.

Water, and gradually breaks down into powder. Sodium carbonate that has lost water is called anhydrous sodium carbonate. Baking soda's chemical name is sodium bicarbonate, and it is often used as a leavening agent for making steamed buns. Baking soda is a white powder or fine crystal, odorless, salty in taste, and easily soluble in water.

Soluble in ethanol; the aqueous solution is slightly alkaline.