The Story Of Washing Soda

Table of Contents

What is washing soda (Na2CO3.10H2O)?

Washing soda is a chemical compound with the formula  Na2CO3.10H2O. It is an inorganic hydrate of sodium carbonate. It was extracted from the ashes of plants growing in sodium-rich soils and hence the name soda ash. It is a white crystalline solid and a metal carbonate which is soluble in water.

Soda Ash Structure1 1

Recommended Videos

Solvay Process- Preparation of Sodium Carbonate

The steps involved in the manufacture of sodium carbonate are explained below:

  • Purification of Brine
  • Formation of sodium hydrogen carbonate
  • Formation of sodium carbonate
  • Recovery of ammonia

Step 1: Purification of Brine

A highly concentrated water solution of common salt is known as a brine solution. Concentrated brine is obtained by the process of evaporation and impurities like calcium, magnesium, etc are removed by the precipitation process. The concentrated brine solution undergoes filtration and is mixed with ammonia in the ammonia tower and the ammonia tower gets cooled.

Step 2: Formation of sodium hydrogen carbonate

In a carbonate tower, carbon dioxide is passed through an ammoniated brine solution.

NH3(aqCO2(gNaCl(aq+H2→ NaHCO3(sNH4Cl(aq)

Step 3: Formation of sodium carbonate

Sodium Bicarbonate formed is heated to 300°C to get sodium carbonate.

2NaHCO→ Na2CO3 CO2 H2O

Step 4: Recovery of ammonia

Ammonia can be recovered by treating the solution of NH4Cl with Ca (OH)2. This ammonia is again used in the Solvay process and CaCl2 is obtained as a by-product.

2NH4CCa(OH)→ 2NH3 CaCl2 H2O

Physical properties and chemical properties of sodium carbonate:

  • It is a crystalline solid which is white.
  • It exists as a monohydrated salt (Na2CO3.H2O), anhydrous salt (Na2CO3), heptahydrate salt (Na2CO3.7H2O) and decahydrate salt (Na2CO3.10H2O).
  • Sodium carbonate is basic in nature.
  • It has a melting point of 851°C.
  • In the presence of heat, it loses its water to form an anhydrous salt (soda ash).
    Na2CO3.10H2O  Na2CO3.H2O  Na2CO3 (at 373 K)

Uses of Washing Soda:

  • Used as a cleansing agent in industries and households.
  • It finds its application in paper, textile, soap, and detergent industries.
  • It is used in the process of softening water.
  • It is used in the manufacturing of glass.
  • It is one of the most important agents in laundries.

Get associated with the family of BYJU’S to understand the concepts in-depth with the help of an expert faculty.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the chemical formula for washing soda?

Ans: Na2CO3.10H2O

2. What is the other name for washing soda?

ans: Soda ash.

3. What is the name of the process from which sodium carbonate is obtained?

Ans: Solvay process.

4. Mention the four steps involved in the preparation of sodium carbonate.

Ans: The four steps involved in the preparation of sodium carbonate are:

  • Purification of Brine
  • Formation of sodium hydrogen carbonate
  • Formation of sodium carbonate
  • Recovery of ammonia

5. List two uses of washing soda.

Ans: It is used in the process of softening the water and the paper industry.

Read more:

Test your knowledge on The Story Of Washing Soda Na2CO3. 10H2O

Comments

Leave a Comment

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published.

*

*