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.