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What it is. This sodium carbonate solution is a 0.1 N (0.05 M) volumetric standard, available in 1 L and 1-gallon sizes. It is a clear, colorless, mildly alkaline solution used mainly to standardize acid titrants and determine acidity.
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Normality and molarity. Carbonate accepts two protons when titrated to carbonic acid, so its normality is twice its molarity. A 0.1 N solution is 0.05 M and contains about 5.300 g of Na2CO3 per liter (calculated from 105.99 g/mol).
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A primary-standard base. Dried anhydrous sodium carbonate is a classic primary standard because it is stable, non-hygroscopic when dry, and available in high purity. Ready-made 0.1 N solutions bring that reference quality to routine work without weighing and drying the solid.
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Standardizing acids. Use sodium carbonate to standardize hydrochloric and sulfuric acid titrants. Titrate to the second equivalence point with methyl orange or a mixed indicator, and boil near the endpoint to drive off carbon dioxide for a sharper color change.
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What each milliliter neutralizes. One milliliter of 0.1 N sodium carbonate neutralizes 0.1 milliequivalent of acid, equal to 3.646 mg of hydrochloric acid (calculated), which converts titration volumes directly into acid strength.
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Alkalinity and ion chromatography. Sodium carbonate solutions are also used as alkalinity standards and, at various strengths, as eluents in anion ion chromatography, where carbonate-bicarbonate mixtures separate common anions.
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Two sizes. The 1 L size (LP-SC6601-1) suits labs that standardize acids occasionally, while the 1 gallon size (LP-SC6601-3) supports QC labs that verify titrants frequently.
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Preparing in-house standards. Labs that prepare their own carbonate standard dry anhydrous sodium carbonate at about 270 to 300 °C, cool it in a desiccator, and dissolve an accurately weighed amount. A ready-made solution saves that step for routine standardizations.
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Handling at a glance. At 0.1 N, sodium carbonate is mildly alkaline and can irritate the eyes. Wear safety glasses and gloves, and keep the container closed to limit carbon dioxide exchange. Pair it with Lab Pro's Hydrochloric Acid 0.1 N (0.1 M), 1 Gallon and Methyl Orange Indicator, 0.1% (w/v) Aqueous.
Technical Specifications
| Chemical Name |
Sodium carbonate, aqueous volumetric solution |
| CAS Numbers |
497-19-8 (sodium carbonate); 7732-18-5 (water) |
| EC Number (Na2CO3) |
207-838-8 |
| Synonyms |
Soda ash solution, disodium carbonate solution |
| Formula (active) |
Na2CO3 |
| Formula Weight (active) |
105.99 g/mol |
| Concentration |
0.1 N (0.05 M) |
| Na2CO3 Content |
About 5.300 g/L (calculated) |
| Neutralizing Capacity |
1.00 mL = 0.1 meq acid; 3.646 mg HCl (calculated) |
| Typical Indicator |
Methyl orange or mixed indicator (second equivalence point) |
| Appearance |
Clear, colorless liquid |
| Physical State |
Liquid, aqueous solution |
| Package Sizes |
1 L; 1 gallon |
Available Variants
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LP-SC6601-1: 1 L for occasional acid standardization.
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LP-SC6601-3: 1 gallon for frequent titrant verification.
Applications / Common Uses
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Acid standardization: Standardizes HCl and H2SO4 titrants.
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Acidity determination: Titrates acids in samples.
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Alkalinity standards: Serves as a reference base.
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Ion chromatography: Supports carbonate eluent preparation.
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Teaching labs: Demonstrates diprotic base titration.
Storage, Handling & Shipping
Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from acids. Keep the container sealed to limit carbon dioxide exchange with air, which can shift the carbonate-bicarbonate balance over time.
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Incompatible materials: Acids (release carbon dioxide), aluminum, and reactive metals.
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Personal protection: Safety glasses and gloves.
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Spill response: Wipe up and rinse the area with water.
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First aid: Eyes: rinse with water for several minutes.
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