In the preparation of sodium carbonate `(Na_(2)CO_(3))` which of the following is used as raw material?

Options

A. Slaked lime
B. Brine
C. Quick lime
D. Sodium hydroxide

Answer

To prepare sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), the following steps outline the process and the raw materials involved:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Process**: Sodium carbonate is primarily prepared using the Solvay process.

2. **Raw Material**: The main raw material used in the Solvay process is brine solution, which is a concentrated aqueous solution of sodium chloride (NaCl).

3. **Ammonical Brine Solution**: In the Solvay process, ammonia (NH₃) is also used, which is mixed with the brine solution to form what is known as ammonical brine solution.

4. **Reaction with Carbon Dioxide**: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is passed through the ammonical brine solution. This reaction leads to the formation of ammonium carbonate (NH₄₂CO₃).

5. **Formation of Sodium Bicarbonate**: The ammonium carbonate reacts with sodium chloride in the solution to produce sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃).

6. **Heating Sodium Bicarbonate**: When sodium bicarbonate is heated, it decomposes to form sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) along with water and carbon dioxide.

7. **Final Product**: The final product obtained from this process is sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃).

### Conclusion:
The raw material used in the preparation of sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) is the brine solution, which is a concentrated solution of sodium chloride (NaCl).

---