Starting with sodium chloride how would you proceed to prepare

sodium carbonate?

Sodium carbonate is obtained by Solvay Ammonia process. The Solvay ammonia process includes:


CO2 is passed through brine (i.e., a concentrated solution of NaCl) saturated with ammonia.


Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is formed which is sparingly soluble and gets precipitated.


NaHCO3 on further heating gives sodium carbonate (Na2CO3).


Overall reaction:




Note: Solvay ammonia process is used in the manufacture of sodium bicarbonate. The working of Solvay ammonia process is given below:



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