Question

Formula for microcosmic salt is:
A. \[N{a_2}HP{O_4}\]
B. \[Na(N{H_4})HP{O_4}\]
C. \[{K_2}HP{O_4}\]
D. \[N{a_2}P{O_4}.{K_2}P{O_4}\]

Answer 1

Hint: Microcosmic salt is a salt that is found in the urine of animals. It is a direct derivative obtained after urea is extracted from the urine. Microcosmic salt is a residue formed once we extract urea with alcohol from the urine of animals in crystalline form.

Complete step by step answer:
Microcosmic salt is also known as stercorite. The salt exists as a white coloured crystalline solid. It is formed by the reaction between sodium phosphate and ammonium phosphate. The chemical name for microcosmic salt is sodium ammonium phosphate and hence the chemical formula is \[Na(N{H_4})HP{O_4}\] .
Also, when this salt is heated till it is red, it leaves a transparent glass of sodium phosphate. This compound dissolves in metal oxides like borax and results in the formation of glasses that have peculiar hues of colours. This method is also used in the qualitative analysis of various other substances and is known as the bead test. This name has been given to this process because of the formation of beads of sodium phosphate upon heating.

Hence, Option B is the correct option.

Note:
The name of Microcosmic salt or sodium ammonium phosphate is derived from the word ‘microcosm’, because it is contained in the decomposing urine of a man. It is also used in laboratory as an ingredient of microcosmic salt bead test, which is used for the identification of metallic radicals by the colour they produce in reducing or oxidizing flame.