Aqueous solutions of saturated sodium bicarbonate \(\left( \ce{NaHCO_3} \right)\) and sodium carbonate \(\left( \ce{Na_2CO_3} \right)\) are basic, and the purpose of these washes is to neutralize an organic layer that may contain trace acidic components. Even if an organic layer should not in theory dissolve very polar components such as acid.

Sodium Carbonate | Na2CO3 or CNa2O3 | CID 10340 - structure, chemical names, physical and chemical properties, classification, patents, literature, biological activities, safety/hazards/toxicity information, supplier lists, and more.