The Solvay process refers to a chemical manufacturing process used to produce sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash. There are several synonyms to the Solvay process, including ammonia soda process, Leblanc process, and Solvay ammonia process. The ammonia soda process was developed by Ernest Solvay in 1861 and was a significant breakthrough in the manufacturing industry. The process involves combining brine (saltwater) with ammonia, limestone, and carbon dioxide to produce soda ash. The Leblanc process, on the other hand, was developed by Nicolas Leblanc in the 18th century. It involves using sulfuric acid to convert salt to sodium sulfate, which is then combined with limestone and coal to produce soda ash. The Solvay ammonia process is an advanced version of the ammonia soda process, where ammonia is recycled back into the process to reduce waste and increase efficiency.