Interaction | Reaction | Process     Data Page

The Solvay process for the manufacture of sodium carbonate was developed in 1865.

The process involves adding gaseous ammonia to brine (concentrated aqueous sodium chloride) and then saturating with carbon dioxide. Sodium hydrogen carbonate is precipitated and then this is calcinated (strongly heated) to sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide.

Ammonia and carbon dioxide are recycled.

W. Büchner, R. Schliebs, G. Winter, K.H. Büchel, Industrial Inorganic Chemistry, VCH, 1989

NaCl
  +  
NH3
  +  
CO2
  +  
H2O
         
NaHCO3
  +  
NH4Cl
Reactant Page Go To Go To
Sodium chloride     Reactions Using    Reactions Forming
Ammonia     Reactions Using    Reactions Forming
Carbon dioxide     Reactions Using    Reactions Forming
Water     Reactions Using    Reactions Forming
Sodium hydrogen carbonate     Reactions Using    Reactions Forming
Ammonium chloride     Reactions Using    Reactions Forming

Interaction, Reaction, Process defined as:
British A-Level Chemistry: AS
Calcination
Decomposition by Heat (Pyrolysis)
Industrial Process: Inorganic

© Mark R. Leach 1999 –


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