What is Na2CO3? Important knowledge about Na2CO3.

1. Definition of Na₂CO₃:

Na₂CO₃, also known as sodium carbonate or soda ash, is a chemical compound with the chemical formula Na₂CO₃. In English, Na₂CO₃ is called Sodium carbonate. Its molar mass is 105.99 g/mol. The Na₂CO₃ molecule consists of two sodium (Na) atoms, one carbon (C) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms. It has an ionic structure consisting of 2 sodium ions Na+ and one carbonate ion CO₃-2.

2. Properties of Na₂CO₃:

2.1 Physical properties of Na₂CO₃: Na₂CO₃ is a solid, white, odorless substance with a pH of approximately 11.6, which means it has a strong basic nature.

2.2 Chemical properties of Na₂CO₃: Na₂CO₃ reacts with acid to form salt, water and CO₂ gas. It can also react with light metals to form hydrocarbonates.

3. Common chemical equations of Na₂CO₃:

• Reaction with acid: Na₂CO₃ + 2HCl -> 2NaCl + H₂O + CO₂
• Reaction with metal: 2Na + CO₂ -> Na₂CO₃
• Reaction with salt: Na₂CO₃ + CaCl₂ -> 2NaCl + CaCO₃

4. Preparation of Na₂CO₃:

4.1 Laboratory preparation of Na₂CO₃: Na₂CO₃ can be prepared by heating sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃).

4.2 Industrial preparation of Na₂CO₃: In industry, Na₂CO₃ is commonly produced by the Solvay process, where sodium chloride (table salt) reacts with ammonia and carbon dioxide to form sodium bicarbonate, which is then heated to form Na₂CO₃.