Sodium Carbonate Washing Soda
The washing soda's chemical name is sodium carbonate. Pure sodium carbonate is a white, odourless powder that is hygroscopic means it absorbs moisture from the air.
The chemical formula of sodium carbonate is \[(Na_{2}CO_{3})\] and its molar mass is 106g/mol. It is an ionic compound- a sodium salt of carbonic acid and is composed of two sodium and one carbonate ion.
Washing soda is hydrated sodium carbonate. The washing soda formula is \[(Na_{2}CO_{3}.10H_{2}O)\].
In this article, we will study sodium carbonate washing soda in detail.
Properties of Washing Soda
1. Physical Properties
It is present in the form of monohydrated salts \[(Na_{2}CO_{3}.10H_{2}O)\], anhydrous salts \[(Na_{2}CO_{3})\], hepta-hydrous salts \[(Na_{2}CO_{3}.7H_{2}O)\], and deca-hydrous salts.
Colour - greyish white powder
Odour- odourless
Taste- alkaline taste
Melting point- 851
Boiling point- decomposes
Density - 2.54
Stability- stable at ordinary temperature and atmospheric conditions, dries out in warm.
2. Chemical Properties
It is stable but hygroscopic solid and readily dissolves in water to form slightly acidic carbonic acid and strong base sodium hydroxide. The aqueous solution of sodium carbonate is a strong base. It reacts violently with many acids, it decomposes to emit toxic fumes of disodium oxide.
Formation of Washing Soda
Solvay Process
This process is used for the manufacturing of washing soda. Here we will study the chemical equation of washing soda.
Materials required
Sodium chloride
Limestone
Ammonia gas
It consists of four steps-
Purification of Brine
Formation of sodium hydrogen carbonate
Formation of sodium carbonate
Recovery of ammonia
Step1: Purification of Brine
At the first stage, a saturated solution of sodium chloride is prepared which is known as brine.
Brine is concentrated through evaporation. Impurities are removed through precipitation.
Sodium chloride brine is the first purified scaling of downstream process equipment and to prevent the contamination of the final product.
After removing the impurities, a brine solution is then filtered and passed through an ammonium tower to dissolve ammonia. After purification, brine is contacted with ammonia gas.
Step 2: Formation of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
The ammoniated brine is then sent to the carbonating columns where sodium carbonate is precipitated by contacting the brine with carbon dioxide.
\[NH_{3}(aq) + CO_{2}(g) + NaCl(aq) + H_{2}O \rightarrow NaHCO_{3}(s) + NH_{4}Cl(aq)\]
Step 3: Formation of sodium carbonate:
The suspended sodium hydrogen carbonate is removed from the carbonating tower and treated at 300C to produce sodium carbonate.
\[2NaHCO_{3} \rightarrow Na_{2}CO_{3} + CO_{2} + H_{2}O\]
This carbon dioxide is recycled back into the carbonating tower.
Step 4: Recovery of ammonia:
Calcium oxide which was formed as a byproduct of the thermal decomposition of limestone in the lime kiln reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide. The calcium hydroxide reacts with ammonium chloride separated from the carbonating tower by filtration.
\[2NH_{4}Cl + Ca(OH)_{2} \rightarrow 2NH_{3} + CaCl_{2} + H_{2}O\]
The ammonia is recycled back into the process to form ammoniated brine. Calcium chloride is formed as a by-product of the Solvay process.
Uses of Washing Soda
Used in industries and households as a cleaning agent.
It finds its use in the industries of paper, textiles, soap, and detergent.
It is used in the process of water softening.
It is used in glass production.
It is one of the laundry agents of greatest significance.
Did You know?
The ashes of burned plants are one common source of washing soda; for this reason, it is often called soda ash.
Light and dense soda ash are typically wrapped in multi-wall paper containers, plastic, or polyethene lined bags. Covered bottom discharge hopper cars are the most common rail cars used for bulk soda ash.
Sodium carbonate is a brittle, crystalline substance that is susceptible to conveyor equipment breakage. Soda ash produces particles that are micron-sized and require high-efficiency collectors.
Usually, soda ash is processed in a factory for a limited period. As a pile on the floor, it can be packed in bulk and retrieved by a front-end loader or other bulk-handling unit.
Applications of Sodium carbonate
Sodium carbonate is used in a variety of ways, that includes:
Sodium carbonate is a cleaning agent used in the home for things like laundry. Sodium carbonate is a common element in dry soap powders.
It is used to remove both temporary and persistent water hardness.
It's used to make glass, soap, and paper, among other things.
It's utilised in the production of sodium compounds, such as borax.
Glass Manufacturer- Sodium carbonate acts as a silica flux, decreasing the melting point of the combination to a level that may be achieved without the need for specific ingredients. Because this "soda glass" is water-soluble, calcium carbonate is added to the melt mixture to make it insoluble. Melting sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate, and silica sand (silicon dioxide (SiO_{2)) into bottle and window glass (soda-lime glass) produce soda-lime glass.
Water Softening- Dissolved chemicals, mainly calcium or magnesium compounds, are present in hard water. Sodium carbonate is used to remove water hardness, both temporary and permanent.
Food Additive- Sodium carbonate has a variety of culinary applications because it is a stronger base than baking soda but weaker than lye. Alkalinity influences gluten synthesis in kneaded doughs and increases browning by reducing the temperature at which the Maillard reaction occurs. To take advantage of the former effect, sodium carbonate is one of the ingredients in kansui, an alkaline salt solution used to give Japanese ramen noodles their distinctive flavour and chewy texture; a similar solution is used to produce lamian in Chinese cuisine for similar reasons.
Inexpensive, weak base- Sodium carbonate is also employed in a variety of sectors as a moderately strong base. It is used as a common alkali in many chemical processes because it is less expensive and safer to handle than sodium hydroxide. Its gentleness makes it ideal for usage in residential settings.
FAQs on The Story of Washing Soda Na₂CO₃ 10H₂O
1. What is the Solvay Process?
Ernest Solvay, a Belgian industrial scientist, invented the Solvay process, also known as the ammonia-soda process, in 1861. The Solvay method is utilized in the production of washing soda. The washing soda manufacturing process is lengthy, requiring four phases. The procedure is straightforward, although it entails many steps. And precautions must be taken to avoid infection. Things required for the production of washing soda:
Sodium chloride
Limestone
Ammonia gas
The four steps involved in the manufacture of washing soda are described below.
Brine purification
Sodium hydrogen carbonate formation
Sodium carbonate formation
Ammonia recovery
2. How is Washing Soda prepared from Sodium Carbonate?
We should know that washing soda is made from sodium carbonate by adding ten molecules of crystallization water to each formula unit and is also known as sodium carbonate decahydrate or washing soda. Furthermore, washing soda is a basic sodium salt. This is further prepared using the Solvay method. Furthermore, we should be aware that a cold and concentrated solution of sodium chloride reacts with ammonia and carbon dioxide to produce sodium hydrogen carbonate. To that, we may add that washing soda is used to eliminate both permanent and temporary hardness from water. It's also water-soluble and adds a lot of carbonate ions to the mix. Insoluble precipitates are formed when they react with dissolved calcium and magnesium ions. This is due to the insoluble nature of calcium and magnesium carbonates. Furthermore, because the water no longer contains calcium and magnesium ions, the water softens. It's also worth noting that it creates a lot of lather with soap.
3. Can I get learning resources for the chapter Washing Soda on Vedantu?
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4. Is Washing Soda a disinfectant?
Due to its disinfectant properties and ability to cut through grease and soften water, sodium carbonate is used in many cleaning products, including green cleaning ones.
5. What does Washing Soda consist of?
Washing soda is sodium carbonate. The washing Soda formula is \[(Na_{2}CO_{3})\]. Typically made from limestone and salt, it is a natural material. It's very alkaline (pH11), so avoid skin and eye contact.
6. Is laundry soda equivalent to Washing Soda?
Commercial detergents for laundry never contain borax and washing soda together. This is an either/or type of thing. Powder laundry detergents typically have washing soda in their formula, while borax, usually with alcohol, is a liquid laundry detergent (plus other chemicals).