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Preparation of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
Chemical formula - NaOH
Also known as - Caustic soda
Preparation (Chlor-alkali process): Electrolysis of brine (solution of common
salt, NaCl) is carried out.
2NaCl + 2H2O→2NaOH +Cl2 + H2
At anode: Cl2 is released
At cathode: H2 is released
Sodium hydroxide remains in the solution.
When the brine solution comes in contact with electric current, ionization takes place. As a result positive
and the negative ions move towards the electrodes. Sodium ions get deposited at the cathode. Chlorine
ions move towards the anode. Sodium hydroxide remains in the solution.
Uses:Cl2-WaterTreatment,swimming pools,PVC,Disinfectants,CFCs,Pesticides.
H2- Fuels, Margarine, Fertilizers.
NaOH- Degreasing metals, Soaps and detergents, Paper Making, Artificial Fibers.
Bleaching powder (Ca(OCl)Cl or
CaOCl2)
Chemical formula - Ca(OCl)Cl or CaOCl2
Preparation - Ca(OH)2(aq) + Cl2(g) → CaOCl2(aq) + H2O(l)
Bleaching powder is synthesized by the action of chlorine gas (produced from the
chlor-alkali process) on dry slaked lime(Ca(OH)2).
On interaction with water - bleaching powder releases chlorine which is
responsible for bleaching action.
Uses :It is used for bleaching dirty clothes in the laundry and as a bleaching
agent for cotton and linen in the textile [Link] is a strong oxidizing
agent, hence used as an oxidizer in many [Link] is used as a
disinfectant which is used for disinfecting water to make potable water.
Baking soda (NaHCO3)
Chemical name - Sodium hydrogen carbonate NaHCO3
Chemical formula - NaHCO3
Preparation (Solvay process) -
CO2 is passed through a concentrated solution of sodium chloride and
ammonia:
NaCl(aq) + NH3(g) + CO2(g) + H2O(l) → NaHCO3(aq) + NH4Cl(aq)
When Heated: NaHCO3 –>Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O
Uses: 1. Baking Powder
2. Neutralizes acidity in stomach
3. Cooking
Washing soda (Na2CO3.10H2O )
Na2CO3 + 10 H2O → Na2CO3.10H2O
Chemical name - Sodium carbonate decahydrate.
Chemical formula -
Preparation: Recrystallization of Na2CO3
Na2CO3 + 10 H2O → Na2CO3.10H2O
Uses :1. In glass, soap and paper industries
2. Softening of water
3. Domestic cleaner
Water of crystallization
Water of crystallization is the fixed number of water molecules present
in one formula unit salt.
Plaster of paris
Gypsum, CaSO4.2H2O (s) on heating at 100°C (373K) gives
CaSO4.½H2O
CaSO4.½H2O is plaster of paris.
Uses - cast for healing fractures.
Gypsum
Plaster of Paris is a white powder and on mixing with water, it changes
to gypsum once again giving a hard solid mass.
CaSO4.½H2O + CaSO4.1½H2O → CaSO4.2H2O