What is Na2SO4? Important Knowledge about Na2SO4

Definition of Na₂SO₄
Na₂SO₄, commonly known as sodium sulfate, is a type of salt consisting of two sodium ions (Na+) and one sulfate ion (SO₄₂-). Its molecular weight is 142.04 g/mol, with the atomic weights of sodium, sulfur, and oxygen being 23 g/mol, 32 g/mol, and 16 g/mol, respectively. In terms of molecular structure, Na₂SO₄ consists of 2 sodium atoms, 1 sulfur atom, and 4 oxygen atoms.

Properties of Na₂SO₄
2.1 Physical properties of Na₂SO₄
Sodium sulfate is a colorless and odorless solid substance. In an aqueous environment, the pH of Na₂SO₄ is neutral.
2.2 Chemical properties of Na₂SO₄
Na₂SO₄ rarely participates in chemical reactions. However, when heated, Na₂SO₄ can decompose into sodium oxysulfate and oxygen.

Common chemical reactions with Na₂SO₄
Na₂SO₄ reacts with metals, acids, non-metals, and salts in chemical reactions. For example, Na₂SO₄ can react with strong acidic compounds such as HCl to form NaCl and H₂SO₄.

Preparation of Na₂SO₄
4.1 Laboratory preparation of Na₂SO₄
In the lab, Na₂SO₄ is usually prepared through the reaction between sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid.
4.2 Industrial preparation of Na₂SO₄
In industry, Na₂SO₄ is typically produced from the refining process of sulfate-containing minerals, or from the treatment of wastewater from other manufacturing processes that produce sulfate as a by-product.