Difference between revisions of "Sodium carbonate"

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[[File:Sodium_carbonate,_anhydrous.jpg|thumb|260px|Anhydrous sodium carbonate]]
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{{Chembox
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[[File:Na2CO3 Wiki.png|thumb|220x220px]]
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| Name = Sodium carbonate
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'''Sodium carbonate''', sometimes called '''washing soda '''or '''soda ash''', is an inorganic weak [[base]] with chemical formula Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>. One of few water-soluble carbonates, sodium carbonate finds abundant use as a cheap source of the [[carbonate ion]], and also as a precursor to other sodium salts. Sodium carbonate occurs in nature as mineral '''Natrite'''.
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| Reference =
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| IUPACName = Sodium carbonate
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| PIN =
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| SystematicName =
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| OtherNames = Disodium carbonate<br>Natrite<br>Soda ash<br>Washing soda
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| ImageFile1 = Sodium carbonate anhydrous by Zts16.jpg
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| ImageCaption1 = Anhydrous sodium carbonate
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| ImageFile2 = Sodium carbonate Wiki.png
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| Section1 = {{Chembox Identifiers
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| 3DMet =
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| Abbreviations =
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| SMILES =
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  }}
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| Section2 = {{Chembox Properties
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| AtmosphericOHRateConstant =
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| Appearance = White solid
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| BoilingPt =
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| BoilingPtC =
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| BoilingPt_ref =
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| BoilingPt_notes = Decomposes
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| Density = 2.54 g/cm<sup>3</sup> (25 °C, anhydrous)<br> 1.92 g/cm<sup>3</sup> (856 °C)<br> 2.25 g/cm<sup>3</sup> (monohydrate)<br> 1.51 g/cm<sup>3</sup> (heptahydrate)<br> 1.46 g/cm<sup>3</sup> (decahydrate)
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| Formula = Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>
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| HenryConstant =
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| LogP =
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| MolarMass = 105.9888 g/mol (anhydrous)<br>286.1416 g/mol (decahydrate)
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| MeltingPt =
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| MeltingPtC = 851
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| MeltingPt_ref =
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| MeltingPt_notes = <br> decomposes (anhydrous)<br> {{convert|100|C|F K}}<br> decomposes (monohydrate)<br> {{convert|33.5|C|F K}}<br> decomposes (heptahydrate)<br> {{convert|34|C|F K}}<br> (decahydrate)
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| Odor = Odorless
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| pKa =
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| pKb = 3.67
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| Solubility = ''Monohydrate:''<br> 50.31 g/100 ml (29.9 °C)<br> 48.1 g/100 ml (41.9 °C)<br> 45.62 g/100 ml (60 °C)<br> 43.6 g/100 ml (100 °C)<hr>''Heptahydrate:''<br> 48.69 g/100 ml (34.8 °C)<hr>''Decahydrate:''<br>7 g/100 ml (0 °C)<br> 16.4 g/100 ml (15 °C)<br> 34.07 g/100 ml (27.8 °C)<br>
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| SolubleOther = Soluble in aq. alkali, [[glycerol]]<br> Slightly soluble in aq. [[alcohol]], [[ethylene glycol]]<br>Insoluble in [[acetone]], liq. [[ammonia]], [[benzonitrile]], [[carbon disulfide|CS<sub>2</sub>]], [[ethanol]], [[ethyl acetate]]  
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| Solubility1 = 98.3 g/100 g (15.5 °C)
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| Solvent1 = glycerol
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| Solubility2 = 3.46 g/100 g (20 °C)
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| Solvent2 = ethylene glycol
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| Solubility3 = 0.05 g/100 g
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| Solvent3 = dimethylformamide
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| VaporPressure = ~0 mmHg
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  }}
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| Section3 = {{Chembox Structure
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| Coordination = Octahedral (Na<sup>+</sup>, anhydrous)
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| CrystalStruct = Monoclinic (γ-form, β-form, δ-form, anhydrous)<br>Orthorhombic (monohydrate, heptahydrate)
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| MolShape =
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  }}
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| Section4 = {{Chembox Thermochemistry
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| DeltaGf = −1,044.4 kJ/mol
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| DeltaHc =
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| DeltaHf = −1,130.7 kJ/mol
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| Entropy = 135 J·mol<sup>-1</sup>·K<sup>-1</sup>
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| HeatCapacity = 112.3 J·mol<sup>-1</sup>·K<sup>-1</sup>
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  }}
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| Section5 = {{Chembox Explosive
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| Section6 = {{Chembox Hazards
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| AutoignitionPt = Non-flammable
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| ExploLimits = Non-explosive
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| ExternalMSDS = [https://www.docdroid.net/uAqx265/sodium-carbonate-anhydrous-sa.pdf.html Sigma-Aldrich] (anhydrous)<br>[https://www.docdroid.net/VCWQZx7/sodium-carbonate-decahydrate-sa.pdf.html Sigma-Aldrich] (decahydrate)
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| FlashPt = Non-flammable
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| LD50 = 4,090 mg/kg (rat, oral)
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| LC50 =
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| MainHazards = Irritant
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| NFPA-F =
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| NFPA-H =
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| NFPA-R =
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| NFPA-S =
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| Section7 = {{Chembox Related
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| OtherAnions =
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| OtherCations =
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| OtherFunction =
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| OtherFunction_label =
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| OtherCompounds = [[Lithium carbonate]]<br>[[Potassium carbonate]]
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  }}
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}}
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'''Sodium carbonate''', sometimes called '''washing soda''' or '''soda ash''', is an inorganic weak [[base]] with chemical formula '''Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub>'''. One of few water-soluble carbonates, sodium carbonate finds abundant use as a cheap source of the [[carbonate]] ion, and also as a precursor to other sodium salts. Sodium carbonate occurs in nature as mineral '''Natrite'''.
  
 
==Properties==
 
==Properties==
 
===Chemical===
 
===Chemical===
 
Sodium carbonate will react with acids to form sodium salts and carbon dioxide.
 
Sodium carbonate will react with acids to form sodium salts and carbon dioxide.
 +
 +
: Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> + 2 HCl → 2 NaCl + H<sub>2</sub>O + CO<sub>2</sub>
 +
: Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> + 2 HCOOH → 2 HCOONa + H<sub>2</sub>O + CO<sub>2</sub>
  
 
At very high temperatures, it decomposes to form sodium oxide and carbon dioxide.
 
At very high temperatures, it decomposes to form sodium oxide and carbon dioxide.
 +
 +
: Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> → Na<sub>2</sub>O + CO<sub>2</sub>
 +
 +
However, unlike other carbonates, the decomposition of alkali carbonates is complicated.
 +
 +
Bubbling carbon dioxide in an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate will give [[sodium bicarbonate]].
 +
 +
: Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O + CO<sub>2</sub> → 2 NaHCO<sub>3</sub>
 +
 +
If [[sulfur dioxide]] is used, [[sodium sulfite]] is produced. Excess SO<sub>2</sub> gives [[sodium bisulfite]].
 +
 +
: Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O + SO<sub>2</sub> → Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>3</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O + CO<sub>2</sub>
 +
: Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O + 2 SO<sub>2</sub> → 2 NaHSO<sub>3</sub> + CO<sub>2</sub>
 +
 +
This route can be used to remove the sulfur dioxide produced from various reactions.
  
 
Sodium carbonate is often used in ore refining, in which it is fused with metal oxides at high temperatures to generate water-soluble compounds of the metal. An example of this is the roasting of [[chromium(III) oxide]] with sodium carbonate in the presence of oxygen to generate [[sodium dichromate]].
 
Sodium carbonate is often used in ore refining, in which it is fused with metal oxides at high temperatures to generate water-soluble compounds of the metal. An example of this is the roasting of [[chromium(III) oxide]] with sodium carbonate in the presence of oxygen to generate [[sodium dichromate]].
 +
 +
: Na<sub>2</sub>CO<sub>3</sub> + Cr<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> + O<sub>2</sub> → Na<sub>2</sub>Cr<sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub> + CO<sub>2</sub>
  
 
===Physical===
 
===Physical===
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[[File:Sodium_carbonate_decahydrate.jpg|thumb|Sodium carbonate decahydrate crystals]]
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Sodium carbonate is a white hydgoscopic compound, soluble in water but insoluble in organic solvents. It reacts with acids, sulfur and nitrogen oxides, as well as halogens, the reaction proceeding faster in the presence of water. Sodium carbonate crystallizes from water to form three different hydrates: monohydrate, heptahydrate and decahydrate.
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Sodium carbonate is a white hydgoscopic compound, soluble in water but insoluble in organic solvents. Sodium carbonate crystallizes from water to form three different hydrates: monohydrate, heptahydrate and decahydrate.
+
  
 
==Preparation and acquisition==
 
==Preparation and acquisition==
 
Historically, sodium carbonate could be produced by leaching the ashes of burnt seaweed or glassworth, but this leads to an impure product. Today, sodium carbonate can be easily and cheaply prepared by the thermal decomposition of store-bought [[sodium bicarbonate]] (baking soda), which begins at 50 °C, but is more rapidly and completely accomplished at temperatures over 200 °C. Alternatively, it can be be purchased as washing soda or pH-increasing formulas in grocery or department stores, both of which are sometimes as cheap as $1/lb, or as soda ash, which is used as a mordant for textile dying.
 
Historically, sodium carbonate could be produced by leaching the ashes of burnt seaweed or glassworth, but this leads to an impure product. Today, sodium carbonate can be easily and cheaply prepared by the thermal decomposition of store-bought [[sodium bicarbonate]] (baking soda), which begins at 50 °C, but is more rapidly and completely accomplished at temperatures over 200 °C. Alternatively, it can be be purchased as washing soda or pH-increasing formulas in grocery or department stores, both of which are sometimes as cheap as $1/lb, or as soda ash, which is used as a mordant for textile dying.
 +
 +
Another convenient route is to add [[sodium hydroxide]] to [[ammonium carbonate]] or [[ammonium bicarbonate|bicarbonate]], then boil the solution until it dries completely. This produces sodium carbonate, while ammonia is produced as side-product. This route is attractive if you have old or contaminated sodium hydroxide, which you need to dispose of.
 +
 +
Lastly, leaving sodium hydroxide solution in open air will slowly form sodium carbonate. Make sure to do this in an area with clean air, as polluted air also contains sulfur and nitrogen oxides which will contaminate your sodium carbonate with sodium sulfate and sodium nitrate. Another problem, is that the resulting sodium carbonate will "grow" on the sides of your container and may even completely cover your container if you leave it long enough. Make sure to periodically check the evolution of the sodium carbonate.
  
 
==Uses==
 
==Uses==
−
As a basic sodium compound, the addition of most inorganic and some organic acids yields a sodium salt of that acid, and due to the almost universal solubility of sodium compounds, these salts can be used in preparing other metal salts of the same anion(for example, the preparation of the lesser-known [[copper aspirinate]] using [[sodium aspirinate]] and a soluble copper salt). Note that neutralizing a carbonate with an acid evolves large amounts of [[carbon dioxide]] and causes lots of bubbling. For this reason, [[Sodium hydroxide]] is most often used for [[titration]].
+
As a basic sodium compound, the addition of most inorganic and some organic acids yields a sodium salt of that acid, and due to the almost universal solubility of sodium compounds, these salts can be used in preparing other metal salts of the same anion(for example, the preparation of the lesser-known [[Copper(II) acetylsalicylate|copper aspirinate]] using [[Sodium acetylsalicylate|sodium aspirinate]] and a soluble copper salt). Note that neutralizing a carbonate with an acid evolves large amounts of [[carbon dioxide]] and causes lots of bubbling. For this reason, [[Sodium hydroxide]] is most often used for [[titration]].
  
−
Because many insoluble [[transition metal]] [[carbonate]]s are used as precursors to salts of those metals, sodium carbonate is an invaluable reagent in forming a large number of compounds, first through precipitation of the insoluble carbonate in a [[double replacement reaction]].
+
Because many insoluble [[transition metal]] [[carbonate]]s are used as precursors to salts of those metals, sodium carbonate is an invaluable reagent in forming a large number of compounds, first through precipitation of the insoluble carbonate in a [[double replacement]] reaction.
  
 
Bubbling [[carbon dioxide]] through a sodium carbonate solution yields [[sodium bicarbonate]].
 
Bubbling [[carbon dioxide]] through a sodium carbonate solution yields [[sodium bicarbonate]].
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===Disposal===
 
===Disposal===
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Sodium carbonate can be safely poured down the drain.
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Sodium carbonate can be safely poured down the drain or dumped in trash. Avoid dumping it in the ground, as excess sodium is harmful to plants.
 +
 
 +
==Gallery==
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<gallery widths="200" position="center" columns="4" orientation="none">
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Sodium carbonate decahydrate.jpg|Sodium carbonate decahydrate crystals
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</gallery>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
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===Relevant Sciencemadness threads===
 
===Relevant Sciencemadness threads===
 
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=21167 sodium carbonate - wikipedia - what?]
 
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=21167 sodium carbonate - wikipedia - what?]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=71493 Sodium Carbonate and Aluminum reaction]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=7075 making sodium carbonate]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=1243 sodium carbonate: where do i buy it?]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=2604 Sodium Carbonate]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=612 Sodium carbonate?]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=27271 Dehydrating sodium carbonate]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=5643 equation to make sodium carbonate from acetone and sodium hydroxide]
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=73040 Electrolysis of sodium carbonate with copper electrodes ]
  
 
[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
 
[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
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[[Category:Sodium compounds]]
 
[[Category:Sodium compounds]]
 
[[Category:Carbonates]]
 
[[Category:Carbonates]]
−
[[Category:Carbon oxoanions]]
 
 
[[Category:Bases]]
 
[[Category:Bases]]
 
[[Category:Hygroscopic compounds]]
 
[[Category:Hygroscopic compounds]]
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[[Category:Readily available chemicals]]
 
[[Category:Readily available chemicals]]
 
[[Category:Minerals]]
 
[[Category:Minerals]]
 +
[[Category:Essential reagents]]

Latest revision as of 14:39, 18 November 2023

Sodium carbonate
Sodium carbonate anhydrous by Zts16.jpg
Anhydrous sodium carbonate
Sodium carbonate Wiki.png
Names
IUPAC name
Sodium carbonate
Other names
Disodium carbonate
Natrite
Soda ash
Washing soda
Properties
Na2CO3
Molar mass 105.9888 g/mol (anhydrous)
286.1416 g/mol (decahydrate)
Appearance White solid
Odor Odorless
Density 2.54 g/cm3 (25 °C, anhydrous)
1.92 g/cm3 (856 °C)
2.25 g/cm3 (monohydrate)
1.51 g/cm3 (heptahydrate)
1.46 g/cm3 (decahydrate)
Melting point 851 °C (1,564 °F; 1,124 K)
decomposes (anhydrous)
100 °C (212 °F; 373 K)
decomposes (monohydrate)
33.5 °C (92.3 °F; 306.6 K)
decomposes (heptahydrate)
34 °C (93 °F; 307 K)
(decahydrate)
Boiling point Decomposes
Monohydrate:
50.31 g/100 ml (29.9 °C)
48.1 g/100 ml (41.9 °C)
45.62 g/100 ml (60 °C)
43.6 g/100 ml (100 °C)
Heptahydrate:
48.69 g/100 ml (34.8 °C)
Decahydrate:
7 g/100 ml (0 °C)
16.4 g/100 ml (15 °C)
34.07 g/100 ml (27.8 °C)
Solubility Soluble in aq. alkali, glycerol
Slightly soluble in aq. alcohol, ethylene glycol
Insoluble in acetone, liq. ammonia, benzonitrile, CS2, ethanol, ethyl acetate
Solubility in glycerol 98.3 g/100 g (15.5 °C)
Solubility in ethylene glycol 3.46 g/100 g (20 °C)
Solubility in dimethylformamide 0.05 g/100 g
Vapor pressure ~0 mmHg
Thermochemistry
135 J·mol-1·K-1
−1,130.7 kJ/mol
Hazards
Safety data sheet Sigma-Aldrich (anhydrous)
Sigma-Aldrich (decahydrate)
Flash point Non-flammable
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
4,090 mg/kg (rat, oral)
Related compounds
Related compounds
 Lithium carbonate
Potassium carbonate
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Sodium carbonate, sometimes called washing soda or soda ash, is an inorganic weak base with chemical formula Na2CO3. One of few water-soluble carbonates, sodium carbonate finds abundant use as a cheap source of the carbonate ion, and also as a precursor to other sodium salts. Sodium carbonate occurs in nature as mineral Natrite.

Properties

Chemical

Sodium carbonate will react with acids to form sodium salts and carbon dioxide.

Na2CO3 + 2 HCl → 2 NaCl + H2O + CO2
Na2CO3 + 2 HCOOH → 2 HCOONa + H2O + CO2

At very high temperatures, it decomposes to form sodium oxide and carbon dioxide.

Na2CO3 → Na2O + CO2

However, unlike other carbonates, the decomposition of alkali carbonates is complicated.

Bubbling carbon dioxide in an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate will give sodium bicarbonate.

Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2 → 2 NaHCO3

If sulfur dioxide is used, sodium sulfite is produced. Excess SO2 gives sodium bisulfite.

Na2CO3 + H2O + SO2 → Na2SO3 + H2O + CO2
Na2CO3 + H2O + 2 SO2 → 2 NaHSO3 + CO2

This route can be used to remove the sulfur dioxide produced from various reactions.

Sodium carbonate is often used in ore refining, in which it is fused with metal oxides at high temperatures to generate water-soluble compounds of the metal. An example of this is the roasting of chromium(III) oxide with sodium carbonate in the presence of oxygen to generate sodium dichromate.

Na2CO3 + Cr2O3 + O2 → Na2Cr2O7 + CO2

Physical

Sodium carbonate is a white hydgoscopic compound, soluble in water but insoluble in organic solvents. It reacts with acids, sulfur and nitrogen oxides, as well as halogens, the reaction proceeding faster in the presence of water. Sodium carbonate crystallizes from water to form three different hydrates: monohydrate, heptahydrate and decahydrate.

Preparation and acquisition

Historically, sodium carbonate could be produced by leaching the ashes of burnt seaweed or glassworth, but this leads to an impure product. Today, sodium carbonate can be easily and cheaply prepared by the thermal decomposition of store-bought sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), which begins at 50 °C, but is more rapidly and completely accomplished at temperatures over 200 °C. Alternatively, it can be be purchased as washing soda or pH-increasing formulas in grocery or department stores, both of which are sometimes as cheap as $1/lb, or as soda ash, which is used as a mordant for textile dying.

Another convenient route is to add sodium hydroxide to ammonium carbonate or bicarbonate, then boil the solution until it dries completely. This produces sodium carbonate, while ammonia is produced as side-product. This route is attractive if you have old or contaminated sodium hydroxide, which you need to dispose of.

Lastly, leaving sodium hydroxide solution in open air will slowly form sodium carbonate. Make sure to do this in an area with clean air, as polluted air also contains sulfur and nitrogen oxides which will contaminate your sodium carbonate with sodium sulfate and sodium nitrate. Another problem, is that the resulting sodium carbonate will "grow" on the sides of your container and may even completely cover your container if you leave it long enough. Make sure to periodically check the evolution of the sodium carbonate.

Uses

As a basic sodium compound, the addition of most inorganic and some organic acids yields a sodium salt of that acid, and due to the almost universal solubility of sodium compounds, these salts can be used in preparing other metal salts of the same anion(for example, the preparation of the lesser-known copper aspirinate using sodium aspirinate and a soluble copper salt). Note that neutralizing a carbonate with an acid evolves large amounts of carbon dioxide and causes lots of bubbling. For this reason, Sodium hydroxide is most often used for titration.

Because many insoluble transition metal carbonates are used as precursors to salts of those metals, sodium carbonate is an invaluable reagent in forming a large number of compounds, first through precipitation of the insoluble carbonate in a double replacement reaction.

Bubbling carbon dioxide through a sodium carbonate solution yields sodium bicarbonate.

Handling

Safety

Sodium carbonate is non-toxic, though due to its desiccant properties it may irritate the skin.

Storage

Sodium carbonate should be stored in closed bottles, away from moisture and acidic vapors.

Disposal

Sodium carbonate can be safely poured down the drain or dumped in trash. Avoid dumping it in the ground, as excess sodium is harmful to plants.

Gallery

  • Sodium carbonate decahydrate crystals

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

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