Sodium carbonate is a chemical compound which conforms to the general formula Na₂CO₃.

It is commonly referred to as soda ash because it was originally obtained from the ashes of burnt sea weeds. Now, soda ash is primarily manufactured by a method known as the Solvay process. Currently, it is one of the top industrial chemicals, in terms of volume, produced in the United States. It is mostly used in the manufacture of glass, but is also used in the manufacture of other products and is an important precursor to many of the sodium compounds used throughout industry.

The process for obtaining sodium carbonate has changed significantly over time. It was originally produced by burning seaweeds that were rich in sodium. When the weeds were burned, sodium would be left in the ashes in the form of sodium carbonate (Na₂SO₄ + CaCO₃ CaSO₄ + Na₂CO...