The biggest difference from all previous compounds is that sodium hydroxide is highly corrosive, which is why it was given the name caustic soda. This compound is soluble in water, ethanol and methanol. Sodium hydroxide is produced using the chloralkali process which is an industrial process. The sodium chloride is then electrolyzed and sodium hydroxide is produced in the cathode. A cathode is a type of electrode in which electrons move. The water is then condensed with hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions. Hydrogen is then eliminated from the equation so that the hydroxide bonds with sodium. Sodium carbonate also known as sodium bicarbonate is a white solid and has the chemical formula of Na2CO3. The molar mass of sodium carbonate is 105.9888 g/mol. Sodium carbonate forms naturally; when sodium is released from igneous rocks and when it is carried away by rivers it comes into contact with carbon dioxide it participates as sodium carbonate. Just to get soda ash to its boiling point is impressive, you have to get it to a temperature of 1,554 F and its melting point is 2,912̊