which salt is produced when h2so4 reacts with naoh

2 min read 21-02-2025

which salt is produced when h2so4 reacts with naoh

Introduction:

The reaction between sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a classic example of a neutralization reaction. Understanding this reaction helps us grasp fundamental concepts in chemistry, particularly acid-base chemistry and salt formation. This article will delve into the specifics of this reaction and identify the salt produced. We'll explore the reaction's balanced equation and discuss the properties of the resulting salt.

The Neutralization Reaction: H₂SO₄ + NaOH

Sulfuric acid is a strong diprotic acid, meaning it can donate two protons (H⁺ ions). Sodium hydroxide is a strong base, readily donating hydroxide ions (OH⁻ ions). When these two react, a neutralization reaction occurs, where the acid and base react to form water and a salt.

Balanced Chemical Equation:

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:

H₂SO₄(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) → Na₂SO₄(aq) + 2H₂O(l)

This equation shows that one molecule of sulfuric acid reacts with two molecules of sodium hydroxide. This is because sulfuric acid has two acidic protons to neutralize. The products are sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) and water (H₂O).

Identifying the Salt: Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄)

The salt produced in this reaction is sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄). It's an ionic compound formed from the cation (positive ion) of the base, Na⁺, and the anion (negative ion) of the acid, SO₄²⁻.

Properties of Sodium Sulfate:

Sodium sulfate is a white crystalline solid that is readily soluble in water. It's commonly used in various industrial applications, including:

Detergents: As a filler and to improve cleaning efficacy.
Paper Pulp: In the kraft process for manufacturing paper.
Textiles: In dyeing and printing processes.
Medicine: As a laxative.

Understanding the Reaction Mechanism

The reaction proceeds through a proton transfer. The hydroxide ions from NaOH accept protons (H⁺) from H₂SO₄. This leads to the formation of water molecules and the remaining ions combine to form the sodium sulfate salt. The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat.

Practical Applications and Considerations

The reaction between sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide has several practical applications, including:

Titration: This reaction is often used in titrations to determine the concentration of either sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide. Careful measurement of the reactants allows for accurate concentration calculations.
Wastewater Treatment: Neutralizing acidic or basic wastewater streams helps to maintain safe pH levels.
Chemical Synthesis: Sodium sulfate is a valuable chemical used as a starting material or intermediate in various synthetic processes.

Conclusion: The Salt is Sodium Sulfate

In conclusion, the salt produced when sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄). This reaction is a fundamental example of acid-base neutralization, resulting in the formation of a salt and water. The properties and applications of sodium sulfate highlight its importance in various industries and chemical processes. Understanding this reaction is crucial for anyone studying chemistry or working in related fields.