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funwind
Jul 14, 2009, 04:46 PM
In the reaction, there are sodium carbonate, sulfuric acid, lots of water and high in temperature. Is there any chance to form sodium sulfite and sodium sulfate? Help. Thanks.:confused::confused:

Perito
Jul 14, 2009, 07:50 PM
Sodium carbonate, sulfuric acid, water, temperature.

Na_2CO_3 + H_2SO_4 \rightarrow H_2CO_3 + Na_2SO_4

You'll form "carbonic acid" and sodium sulfate. The carbonic acid will decompose (just like in a can of Coke) in this reaction:

H_2CO_3 \rightarrow H_2O + CO_2(g)

The CO2 will bubble out of solution. This will drive the reaction.

There is no chance it will form sodium sulfite, Na_2SO_3. You would need to include a reducing agent in the mixture and you have none.