The synthesis of NaHCO_3 described in this experiment is the basis of the indust
ID: 504263 • Letter: T
Question
The synthesis of NaHCO_3 described in this experiment is the basis of the industrial Solvay process. In any industrial process the cost of raw materials is a very important factor in the economics of the process. Dry ice would be an expensive source of carbon dioxide and ammonia is also expensive. Calcium carbonate, CaCO_3, found as the mineral limestone, and sodium chloride are cheap. Devise a reaction scheme, which includes a sequence of balanced reaction equations, for making NaHCO_3 cheaply. What are your industrial raw materials and waste products for this scheme?Explanation / Answer
The overall chemical reaction is
CO2 + H2O + NH3 + NaCl-----> NaHCO3 + NH4Cl
The raw materials are
1. Limestone or Calcium carbonate
Limestone is heated to produce carbon dioxide and Calcium oxide.
CaCO3 -----> CaO + CO2
2. Water
Calcium Oxide (CaO) reacts with water to form Calcium hydroxide.
CaO + H2O -----> Ca(OH)2
3. Ammonium salt
Here we will use ammonium chloride (NH4Cl). Ammonium chloride reacts with Calcium hydroxide to form ammonia.
2NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2 -----> 2NH3 + CaCl2 + 2H2O
4. Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
The waste product or By-product is Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) formed during the formation of ammonia from ammonium chloride and Calcium hydroxide.
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