information:extraction, structural:reformatting
Precursor to other compounds

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO) or baking soda, also a component in fire extinguishers, is often generated from sodium carbonate. Although NaHCO is itself an intermediate product of the Solvay process, the heating needed to remove the ammonia that contaminates it decomposes some NaHCO, making it more economical to react finished Na CO with CO:

In a related reaction, sodium carbonate is used to make sodium bisulfite (NaHSO), which is used for the "sulfite" method of separating lignin from cellulose. This reaction is exploited for removing sulfur dioxide from flue gases in power stations:

This application has become more common, especially where stations have to meet stringent emission controls.

Sodium carbonate is used by the cotton industry to neutralize the sulfuric acid needed for acid delinting of fuzzy cottonseed.

It is also used to form carbonates of other metals by ion exchange, often with the other metals' sulphates.