Question

A compound is prepared from the
mineral colemanite by boiling it with
solution of sodium carbonate. It is white
crystaline solid and used for inorganic
qualitative analysis.
a. Name the compound produced.
b. Write the reaction that explains its
formation.​

Answer 1

1. Colemanite is important ore of boron.

2. It is stable form of borate minerals.

3. There are three compounds formed from the reaction.

4. Colemanite react with sodium carbonate in presence of water to give calcium carbonate, sodium tetraborate and sodium hydroxide.

5. The reaction is -

2Ca2B6O11 + 4Na2CO3 + H2O → 3Na2B4O7 + 4CaCO3 + 2NaOH