Question

The compound sodium polymeta phosphate $\left(N{a}_2\right[N{a}_4\left(P{O}_3{)}_6\right])$ is called calgon because:

• A. it was developed by the scientist
• B. it was developed first in California
• C. it refers to calcium gone
• D. it is based on the name of the company which developed it

Answer 1

The correct option is C it refers to calcium gone

The compound sodium polymeta phosphate $\left(N{a}_2\right[N{a}_4\left(P{O}_3{)}_6\right])$ is called calgon because, it refers to calcium gone.

Calgon consisted of powdered sodium hexametaphosphate (amorphous sodium polyphosphate), which in water would complex with ambient calcium ion and certain other cations, preventing formation of unwanted salts and interference by those cations with the actions of soap or other detergents. Its name was a portmanteau derived from the phrase "calcium gone".