Question

Give reaction of baking soda and washing soda?​

Answer 1

Washing Soda

Washing soda is a whitish, odourless powder. Its chemical formula is Na2CO3 and is better known as sodium carbonate. It is hygroscopic in nature that is, it absorbs moisture from the air. It is highly soluble in water and forms strongly alkaline water solution.

Preparation of Washing Soda

Washing soda is synthesized through Solvay’s process. Solvay’s process involves the reaction of sodium chloride, ammonia and carbon dioxide in water. Carbon dioxide involved is produced through calcium carbonate and the calcium oxide left is used in recovering ammonia from ammonium chloride.

At first, sodium bicarbonate is obtained which is then converted to sodium carbonate on heating. Finally, washing soda is produced by recrystallization of sodium carbonate.

• NaCl + NH3 + CO2 + H2O → NaHCO3 + NH4Cl
• 2 NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2
• Na2CO3 + 10H2O → Na2CO3.10H2O

Uses of Washing Soda

• Washing soda is used for removing burnt-on grease from kitchen utensils.
• It is prominently used in soap, glass and paper industries.
• It also helps in the removal of permanent hardness of the water.
• It acts as a raw material in the manufacturing of various sodium compounds, for example, borax.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a white crystalline compound with a slightly salty taste. Its chemical formula is NaHCO3 and is generally known as sodium bicarbonate.

Preparation of Baking Soda

Baking soda is synthesized through Solvay’s process. Solvay’s process involves the reaction of sodium chloride, ammonia and carbon dioxide in water. The carbon dioxide involved is produced through calcium carbonate and the calcium oxide left is used in recovering ammonia from ammonium chloride. Finally, sodium bicarbonate is produced as one of the end products.

NaCl + H2O + CO2 + NH3 → NH4Cl + NaHCO3

Uses of Baking Soda

• It is used in making soft and fluffy bread and cakes due to the production of carbon dioxide when it is heated or mixed in water.
• NaHCO3 + H+ → CO2 + H2O + sodium salt of acid
• It is used for making soda-acid fire extinguisher.
• It is used as an ingredient in the manufacturing of antacids.