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: