Item# BSSCAR453G New sodium carbonate in bulk. Sodium carbonate is sometimes used in place of sodium hydroxide for lying, especially when making German pretzels and lye rolls. Sodium carbonate is a food additive (E500) sometimes used as an acidity regulator, anticaking agent, a raising agent and a stabilizer. As a chemical base, a 10% solution of sodium carbonate in water has a pH of 11.70. Molecular formula: Na2CO3 Water solubility: 30 g/100 ml pH: 11.70 for a 10% solution in water Melting point: 851 C Boiling point: Decomposes