Table of Contents
What is Sodium Sulfate? ;
Sodium sulfate is an ionic compound with the chemical formula Na2SO4. It is a white solid that is soluble in water. Sodium sulfate is used in the manufacture of glass, paper, and other products. It is also used as a fertilizer and as a desiccant. Sodium Sulfate – Introduction Structure Uses and Applications.
Discovery of Sodium Sulphate
Sodium Sulphate, NaSO4, is a white crystalline solid that is very soluble in water. It is produced industrially by the reaction of sulfur dioxide with sodium carbonate.
Sodium carbonate is made by the calcination of sodium bicarbonate:
2 NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2
The carbon dioxide gas formed in this reaction is collected and used to produce sulfur dioxide:
CO2 + SO2 → 2 SO3
The sulfur trioxide gas is then used to produce sodium sulphate:
SO3 + H2O → H2SO4
The sodium sulphate is then purified by recrystallization.
Sodium Sulfate Structure
The sodium sulfate molecule is made up of a sodium atom and a sulfate group. The sodium atom has a positive charge and the sulfate group has a negative charge. The sodium atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms, and the sulfate group is surrounded by three oxygen atoms.
Properties of Sodium Sulphate
Sodium sulphate is an inorganic salt that is a white solid. It is soluble in water and has a salty taste. It is a component of mineral springs and is used as a food additive. Sodium sulphate is also used in the manufacture of paper, glass, and detergents. It is also used as a desiccant.
Sodium Sulphate Uses
Sodium sulphate is used in the production of detergents, glass, paper, and textiles. It is also used as a food additive, a fertilizer, and in the production of other chemicals.
Sodium Sulfate – Introduction Structure Uses and Applications.