Question

Which of the following is the correct Molecular formula of Glauber’s salt?
A. $MgS{O_4}.7{H_2}O$
B. $N{a_2}C{O_3}.10{H_2}O$
C. $N{a_2}S{O_4}.10{H_2}O$
D. $FeS{O_4}.7{H_2}O$

Answer 1

Hint: As we know that Glauber’s salt is white or colourless anhydride and can easily solubilise in water. It is used as a fining agent in the glass industry to remove the small air bubbles from the glass. It is also used as a levelling agent in the textile industry where it helps in reducing the negative charges on fibres to even penetration of dyes.

Complete step by step answer:
As we know that Glauber’s salt is commonly called sodium sulphate decahydrate and its molecular formula is given as $N{a_2}S{O_4}.10{H_2}O$. It is basically white in colour and is highly soluble in water. It is also known as sulphate of soda and is used in detergent making and paper pulping in the Kraft process.
-It also has different forms like Thenardite which is used as a drying agent for removing water traces from various organic synthesis processes. Glauber’s salt is also called Mirabilite and it is a vitreous and colourless to white mineral.

Therefore the correct answer is (C).

Additional information: Uses of Glauber’s salt:
1- It is used as a fining agent in the glass industry to remove the small air bubbles from the molten glass.
2- It is also used as a levelling agent in the textile industry where it helps in reducing the negative charges on fibres to even penetration of dyes.
3- It is used as a laxative and effective in removal of drugs like Paracetamol from the body if overdosed.

Note: Glauber’s salt is unstable and it quickly dehydrates into dry air and turns into a white powder called Thenardite which can absorb water and converts it back to Glauber’s salt. It is a non-radioactive compound and mainly found around saline water sources.