1.

What will happen if a solution of sodium hydrocarbonate is heated?Give the equation of the reaction involved.

Answer»

It would gradually turn into a solution of sodium carbonate.

The hydrogencarbonates (bicarbonates) are not as stable as the carbonates. In aqueous solution of a bicarbonate the following equilibrium exists:

2HCO3(-) + H2O = CO3(2-) + CO2 + H2O

On prolonged boiling of the solution, the bicarbonate will almost entirely get converted to the more stable carbonate with the liberation of carbon dioxide, just like it happens when the pure or dry salt is heated.

2NaHCO3 = Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O

So, the solution becomes that of sodium carbonate on continued heating.



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