White powder, m.p. 1340℃, density 2.536 g/cm³, soluble in water giving an alkaline solution, hygroscopic. Used as water softener, detergent, boiler anti-scaling agent, dye-fixing agent in printing and dyeing, silk mercerising enhancer and metal rust inhibitor; as flux and decolouriser in enamel industry and as degreasing/dehairing agent in leather making. 25 kg PE-lined woven bags.
