Sodium sesquicarbonate, also known as trisodium dicarbonate or sodium carbonate 1.5 hydrate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na2CO3·1.5H2O. It is a white powdered substance that is soluble in water and breaks down into sodium carbonate and water when heated or dissolved. Sodium sesquicarbonate has important uses in cleaning products and water treatment due to its properties.
Chemical and Physical Properties
As a carbonate salt, sodium sesquicarbonate reacts strongly with acids to form carbon dioxide gas and corresponding salt. When heated, it loses its water of crystallization and converts to anhydrous sodium carbonate (washing soda). Its melting point is 85°C and boiling point is 90-95°C. In its solid form, sodium sesquicarbonate is stable but absorbs moisture from air over time. In solutions, it hydrolyzes slowly to form sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide gas and water.
Uses in Cleaning Products
Due to its ability to produce effervescence and mild alkalinity on reaction with acids, sodium sesquicarbonate is widely used as a cleaning agent. It is commonly found in automatic dishwashing detergents where it helps remove grease and food residue from dishes by converting them into soluble soaps. The carbon dioxide bubbles produced also assist with lifting away dirt particles. Sodium sesquicarbonate acts as a grease cutter in heavy duty laundry detergents and removes stains when combined with bleach. It is also present in many commercial and household cleaners for ceramic tiles, toilet bowls, drains etc. to cut through grease and dissolve dirt with its washing soda-like properties.
Water Treatment Applications
Another important application of sodium sesquicarbonate lies in water treatment. It is used for softening of hard water that contains magnesium and calcium ions. When sodium sesquicarbonate is added to hard water, it reacts with calcium and magnesium ions to form insoluble carbonate precipitates that settle down, thereby removing water hardness. This treated soft water is suitable for laundry, dishwashing, bathing and other domestic purposes. Sodium sesquicarbonate water softeners are commonly used utilities as they are more economical than ion exchange resins. The compound also aids in pH adjustment and neutralization of acidic wastewater before discharge or reuse.
Manufacturing Process
Sodium sesquicarbonate is commercially produced on an industrial scale through the soda ash process. In this process, purified trona ore (sodium sesquicarbonate dihydrate) is first calcined in a rotary kiln at about 800–950°C to produce anhydrous sodium carbonate (soda ash). This soda ash is then dissolved in water and crystallized to yield the monohydrate form, sodium carbonate monohydrate. Further treatment with carbon dioxide gas generates sodium sesquicarbonate crystals that are separated, washed and dried. Alternatively, it can also be manufactured by the Solvay process by reacting sodium chloride solution with ammonium bicarbonate followed by carbonation and crystallization steps. The purified final product finds diverse applications in detergents, cleaners and water treatment.
Other Characteristics and Considerations
An important feature of sodium sesquicarbonate is its low toxicity as compared to other carbonate salts. The approved permissible exposure limit set by OSHA for this compound is 15 mg/m3 over an 8 hour working day. However, inhalation of its dust over long periods should be avoided as a precaution. Sodium sesquicarbonate solutions have an alkaline pH of 9-10.5 depending on concentration. As the compound decomposes on heating, closed containers should be used for its transportation and storage to prevent explosion hazards. Overall, with its cleaning, water softening and neutralizing properties, sodium sesquicarbonate remains a valuable industrial chemical.
sodium sesquicarbonate is a versatile inorganic compound that has found numerous applications arising from its moisture absorption, alkalinity and effervescent reactions. It acts as an important builder and grease cutting agent in detergents as well as a water softener and wastewater neutralizer. Produced commercially through the soda ash manufacturing process, sodium sesquicarbonate continues to be widely utilized in the chemical industry, especially for cleaning and water treatment requirements. Its benign nature and performance has made it a preferred inorganic ingredient globally.
Get More Insights On Sodium Sesquicarbonate
Get this Report in Japanese Language
Get this Reports in Korean Language
About Author:
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights.
(LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alice-mutum-3b247b137 )
copyright src="chrome-extension://fpjppnhnpnknbenelmbnidjbolhandnf/content_script_web_accessible/ecp_regular.js" type="text/javascript">