Sodium Trioxocarbonate (IV) and Sodium Hydrogen Trioxocarbonate (IV) | Chemistry for JAMB PDF Download

Introduction

Sodium trioxocarbonate (IV), also known as sodium carbonate or soda ash (Na₂CO₃), and sodium hydrogen trioxocarbonate (IV), commonly called sodium bicarbonate or baking soda (NaHCO₃), are important compounds used in various industries and everyday applications. They are produced through the Solvay process, which is a widely employed method in the manufacturing of these compounds.

Solvay Process

The Solvay process is a chemical method used to produce sodium trioxocarbonate (IV) and sodium hydrogen trioxocarbonate (IV) on a large scale. The key steps involved in the Solvay process are as follows:

• Brine Purification: The process begins with the purification of brine (sodium chloride solution) to remove impurities such as calcium and magnesium ions, which can interfere with the production.
• Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate Formation: Ammonia gas (NH₃) is then added to the purified brine along with carbon dioxide (CO₂) to form a solution of ammonium hydrogen trioxocarbonate (IV) [NH₄HCO₃]. This reaction occurs due to the combination of ammonia and carbon dioxide gases in an aqueous medium.
• Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate Separation: The ammonium hydrogen trioxocarbonate (IV) solution is heated, causing it to decompose into water, carbon dioxide, and solid sodium hydrogen trioxocarbonate (IV) crystals. These crystals are then filtered and separated from the solution.
• Sodium Carbonate Formation: The separated sodium hydrogen trioxocarbonate (IV) crystals are then heated to produce sodium trioxocarbonate (IV) and water. This reaction is known as the thermal decomposition of sodium hydrogen trioxocarbonate (IV).
• Sodium Carbonate Crystallization: The sodium trioxocarbonate (IV) solution is concentrated and cooled, leading to the crystallization of sodium trioxocarbonate (IV) crystals. These crystals can be further processed and purified for various applications.

Properties of Sodium Trioxocarbonate (IV) and Sodium Hydrogen Trioxocarbonate (IV)

Sodium Trioxocarbonate (IV):

• Chemical Formula: Na₂CO₃
• Appearance: White crystalline solid
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water
• pH: Alkaline (basic) in nature
• Melting Point: 851°C
• Density: 2.54 g/cm³

Sodium Hydrogen Trioxocarbonate (IV):

• Chemical Formula: NaHCO₃
• Appearance: White crystalline powder
• Solubility: Soluble in water
• pH: Slightly alkaline
• Melting Point: Decomposes above 50°C
• Density: 2.20 g/cm³

Uses of Sodium Trioxocarbonate (IV) and Sodium Hydrogen Trioxocarbonate (IV)

Sodium Trioxocarbonate (IV) (Na₂CO₃):

• Glass Manufacturing: Sodium trioxocarbonate (IV) is a key ingredient in the production of glass. It helps to lower the melting point of silica (SiO₂) and improves the transparency and strength of glass.
• Soap and Detergent Industry: It is used as a builder and pH regulator in the production of soaps and detergents.
• Water Treatment: Sodium trioxocarbonate (IV) is utilized in water treatment processes for pH adjustment and the removal of hardness-causing ions like calcium and magnesium.
• Textile Industry: It is employed as a pH regulator and a mild alkaline agent in textile processing.

Sodium Hydrogen Trioxocarbonate (IV) (NaHCO₃):

• Baking and Cooking: Sodium hydrogen trioxocarbonate (IV) is commonly used as a leavening agent in baking and cooking due to its ability to release carbon dioxide gas when heated, causing dough or batter to rise.
• Antacid: It is used as an antacid to relieve heartburn and indigestion by neutralizing excess stomach acid.
• Cleaning Agent: Sodium hydrogen trioxocarbonate (IV) is an effective cleaning agent used for household cleaning tasks, including removing stains and odors.
• Medical Applications: It finds applications in medicinal preparations and pharmaceutical formulations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sodium trioxocarbonate (IV) and sodium hydrogen trioxocarbonate (IV) are important compounds produced through the Solvay process. Sodium trioxocarbonate (IV) is used in the manufacture of glass, soap and detergent production, water treatment, and textile processing. Sodium hydrogen trioxocarbonate (IV) is commonly used in baking and cooking, as an antacid, a cleaning agent, and in medical applications.