White, odorless, small crystals or crystal-line powder; alkaline taste; sp. gr. 1.5. Soluble in water and glycerol; insoluble in alcohol. M.p. 109o C ( loses water) , 851oC. noncombustible. Low toxicity. Grades: U.S.P.; technical; F.C.C. Uses: Photography; cleaning and boiler compounds; pH control of water; food additive; intermediate in thermochemical reactions; mfg. of glass; cleaning and bleaching textiles; analytical reagent.