Acid Base and Salt

Acids: The word ‘Acid’ came from Latin word ‘Acidus or Acere’ which means
sour.

Sour taste is the most common characteristic of acid. Acid turns blue litmus paper
red. There are many substances which contain acid and hence taste sour, such as
curd, tamarind, lemon, etc.

Types of Acids: Acids are divided into two types on the basis of their occurrence –
Natural acids and Mineral acids.

Natural Acid: Acids which are obtained from natural sources are called natural
acid or organic acid. Examples: viniger, citric acid, tartaric acid, etc.

Mineral Acids: Acids which are prepared from mineral are known as mineral
acids, inorganic acids, man-made acids or synthetic acid, such as hydrochloric
acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, etc.
Chemical Properties of Acid
Reaction of acids with metal:

Acids give hydrogen gas along with respective salt when they react with a metal.

Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen

Example: Hydrogen gas and zinc chloride are formed when hydrochloric acid
reacts with zinc metal.

Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2

Hydrogen gas and sodium chloride are formed when hydrochloric acid reacts with
sodium metal.

2Na + 2HCl → 2NaCl + H2

Hydrogen gas and iron chloride are formed when hydrochloric acid reacts with
iron.

Fe + 2HCl → FeCl2 + H2
Hydrogen gas and zinc sulphate are formed when zinc metal reacts with sulphuric
acid

Zn + H2SO4→ ZnSO4 + H2

Test for hydrogen gas: The gas evolved after reaction of acid with metal
can be tested by bringing a lighted candle near it. If the gas burns with pop sound,
then it confirms the evolution of hydrogen gas. Burning with pop sound is the
characteristic test for hydrogen gas.

Reaction of acids with metal carbonate:

Acids give carbon dioxide gas and respective salts along with water when they
react with metal carbonates.

Metal carbonate + Acid → Salt + Carbon dioxide + Water

Examples: Hydrochloric acid gives carbon dioxide gas, sodium chloride along with
water when it reacts with sodium carbonate.

Na2CO3 + 2HCl → 2NaCl + CO2 + H2O

Hydrochloric acid gives carbon dioxide, magnesium chloride and water when it
reacts with magnesium carbonate.

MgCO3 + 2HCl → MgCl2 + CO2 + H2O

Hydrochloric acid gives carbon dioxide gas, calcium chloride and water when it
reacts with calcium carbonate.

CaCO3 + 2HCl → CaCl2 + CO2 + H2O

Sulphuric acid gives calcium sulphate, carbon dioxide gas, calcium sulphate and
water when it reacts with calcium carbonate.
CaCO3 + H2SO4 → CaSO4 + CO2 + H2O

Sulphuric acid gives sodium sulphate, carbon dioxide gas and water when it reacts
with sodium carbonate.

Na2CO3 + H2SO4 → Na2SO4 + CO2 + H2O

Nitric acid gives sodium nitrate, water and carbon dioxide gas when it reacts with
sodium carbonate.

2HNO3 + Na2CO3 → NaNO3 + 2H2O + CO2

Reaction of acid with hydrogen carbonates (bicarbonates):

Acids give carbon dioxide gas, respective salt and water when they react with
metal hydrogen carbonate.

Acid + Metal hydrogen carbonate → Salt + Carbon dioxide + Water

Examples: Hydrochloric acid gives carbon dioxide, sodium chloride and water
when it reacts with sodium bicarbonate.

NaHCO3 + HCl → NaCl + CO2 + H2O

Sulphuric acid gives sodium sulphate, carbon dioxide gas and water when it reacts
with sodium bicarbonate.

2NaHCO3 + H2SO4 → Na2SO4 + 2CO2 + 2H2O

Sodium bicarbonate is also known as sodium hydrogen carbonate, baking soda,

baking powder, bread soda and bicarbonate of soda.

Test for evolution of carbon dioxide gas: Carbon dioxide turns lime
water milky when passed through it. This is the characteristic test for carbon
dioxide gas.

The gas evolved because of reaction of acid with metal carbonate or metal
hydrogen carbonate turns lime water milky. This shows that the gas is carbon
dioxide gas. This happens because of formation of white precipitate of calcium
carbonate.
Ca(OH)2 + CO2 → CaCO3 + H2O

But when excess of carbon dioxide is passed through lime water, it makes milky
colour of lime water disappear. This happens because of formation of calcium
hydrogen carbonate. As calcium hydrogen carbonate is soluble in water, thus the
milky colour of solution mixture disappears.

CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O → Ca(HCO3 )2

Reaction of acid with marble and egg shell: Since, marble and egg shell are made
of calcium carbonate, hence when acid is poured over marble or egg shell,
bubbles of carbon dioxide are formed.

Historical Monuments and Acid Rain:

Burning of fossil fuels releases oxides of sulphur and nitrogen. Nitrogen oxide and
sulphur dioxide form nitric acid and sulphuric acid on reaction with water. When
rain droplets mix with these gases (present in atmosphere because of pollution)
they form acid rain.

Acid rain causes damage to historical monuments and other buildings. For
example, the Taj Mahal, which is made of marble, is getting damaged because of
reaction with acid rain. Marble is calcium carbonate which reacts with the acid
and thus gets corroded.

Acid & Base and Fire Extinguisher

Metal carbonate or metal hydrogen carbonate and acid are used in fire
extinguisher to produce carbon dioxide gas. Acid and metal carbonate or
bicarbonate are kept in separate chambers in a fire extinguisher. On emergency
they are allowed to react with one another. The carbon dioxide gas so produced is
poured over fire. As carbon dioxide does not support burning, it puts off the fire.

Base: Base is bitter in taste and feels soapy on touch. A base turns red litmus
paper blue.

Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), calcium hydroxide, sodium carbonate (washing

soda), lime (Calcium oxide), potassium hydroxide (caustic potash), etc. are
examples of base.

Types of base: Base can be divided in two types – Water soluble and water
insoluble.

The ionic salt of alkali and alkaline earth metals are soluble in water. These are
also known as alkali. For example – sodium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide,
calcium hydroxide, etc. Alkali is considered as strong base.

Reaction of Base with Metals:

When alkali (base) reacts with metal, it produces salt and hydrogen gas.

Alkali + Metal → Salt + Hydrogen

Example: Sodium hydroxide gives hydrogen gas and sodium zincate when reacts
with zinc metal.

2NaOH + Zn → Na2ZnO2 + H2

Sodium aluminate and hydrogen gas are formed when sodium hydroxide reacts
with aluminium metal.

2NaOH + 2Al + 2H2O → 2NaAlO2 + 2H2

Reaction of base with oxides of non-metals:

Non-metal oxides are acidic in nature. For example; carbon dioxide is a non-metal
oxide. When carbon dioxide is dissolved in water it produces carbonic acid.

Therefore, when a base reacts with non-metal oxide both neutralize each other
resulting production of salt and water.

Base + Non-metal oxide → Salt + Water

Example: Sodium hydroxide gives sodium carbonate and water when it reacts
with carbon dioxide.
2NaOH + CO2 → Na2CO3 + H2O

Calcium hydroxide gives calcium carbonate and water when it reacts with carbon
dioxide.

Ca(OH)2 + CO2 → CaCO3 + H2O

Neutralisation Reaction:
An acid neutralizes a base when they react with each other and salt and water are
formed.

Acid + Base → Salt + Water

Since in the reaction between acid and base both neutralize each other, hence it
is also known as neutralization reaction.

Example: Sodium chloride and water are formed when hydrochloric acid reacts
with sodium hydroxide (a strong base).

HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O

In similar way, calcium chloride is formed along with water when hydrochloric
acid reacts with calcium hydroxide (a base).
2HCl + Ca(OH)2 → CaCl2 + 2H2O

Sodium sulphate and water are formed when sulphuric acid reacts with sodium
hydroxide (a base).

H2SO4 + 2NaOH → Na2SO4 + 2H2O

In similar way, when nitric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide, sodium nitrate and
water are formed.

HNO3 + NaOH → NaNO3 + H2O

Reaction of Acid with Metal Oxides:

Metal oxides are basic in nature. Thus, when an acid reacts with a metal oxide
both neutralize each other. In this reaction, salt and water are formed.

Acid + Metal Oxide → Salt + Water

Example: Calcium is a metal, thus calcium oxide is a metallic oxide which is basic
in nature. When an acid; such as hydrochloric acid; reacts with calcium oxide,
neutralization reaction takes place and calcium chloride; along with water; is
formed.
2HCl + CaO → CaCl2 + H2O

Similarly, when sulphuric acid reacts with zinc oxide, zinc sulphate and water are
formed.

H2SO4 + ZnO → ZnCl2 + H2O

When hydrochloric acid reacts with aluminium oxide, aluminium chloride and
water are formed.

Al2O3 + 6HCl → 2AlCl3 + 3H2O.

Common in Acid and Base

Common in all Acid:
Acids give hydrogen gas when they react with metal. This shows that all acids
contain hydrogen. For example: Hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulphuric acid (H2SO4),
nitric acid (HNO3), etc.

When an acid is dissolved in water, it dissociates hydrogen. The dissociation of

hydrogen ion in aqueous solution is the common property in all acids. Because of
dissociation of hydrogen ion in aqueous solution, an acid shows acidic behavior.
Example: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) gives hydrogen ion (H+) and chloride ion (Cl−)
when it is dissolved in water.

HCl (aq) → H+ + Cl−

Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) gives hydrogen ion (H+) and sulphate ion (SO4− −) in water.

H2SO4 (aq) → H+ + SO4− −

Nitric acid (HNO3) gives hydrogen ion (H+) and nitrate ion (NO3−) in water.

HNO3 (aq) → H+ + NO3−

Acetic acid (CH3COOH) gives acetate ion (CH3COO−) and hydrogen ion (H+).

CH3COOH (aq) → CH3COO− H+

Hydrogen ion which is produced by acid (when acid is combined with water
molecule), exists in the form of hydronium ion (H3O−) in aqueous solution. That’s
why hydrogen ion is always written with suffix (aq), such as H+ (aq).

HCl + H2O→ H3O− + Cl−

H2SO4 + H2O→ H3O− + SO4− −

Thus, because of dissociation of hydrogen ions; acid shows its acidic behavior.

Acids conduct electricity in their aqueous solution because of dissociation of

hydrogen ion. Hydrogen ion in aqueous solution conducts electricity.

A dry acid, such as dry hydrochloric acid does not change the colour of blue litmus
paper to red because a dry acid does not dissociate hydrogen ion. This is the
cause that a moist litmus paper is used to check the acidic or basic character of a
gas.

Acidic behavior of carbon dioxide gas: Carbon dioxide gas produces carbonic acid
when dissolved in water. This carbonic acid dissociates hydrogen ion and
carbonate ion in the aqueous solution.

CO2 + H2O → H2CO3 → H+ + CO3− −

Are all compounds which contain hydrogen, necessarily acids?

No, all compounds which contain hydrogen are not acid. For example; glucose
(C6H12O6), methyl alcohol (CH3OH), etc. are not acid in spite of the fact that they
contain hydrogen. This is because these compounds do not dissociate hydrogen
ion in their aqueous solution.
Common in all Base:
A base dissociates hydroxide ion in water, which is responsible for the basic
behavior of a compound. Example:

When sodium hydroxide is dissolved in water, it dissociates hydroxide ion and

sodium ion.

NaOH (aq) → Na+ + OH−

Similarly, when potassium hydroxide is dissolved in water, it dissociates hydroxide

ion and potassium ion.

KOH (aq) → K+ + OH−

Thus, base shows its basic character because of dissociation of hydroxide ion

Neutralisation Reaction:
When an acid reacts with a base, the hydrogen ion of acid combines with the
hydroxide ion of base and forms water. As these ions combine together and form
water; instead of remaining free, thus both neutralize each other.

OH− + H+ → H2O
Example: When sodium hydroxide (a base) reacts with hydrochloric acid, sodium
hydroxide breaks into sodium ion and hydroxide ion and hydrochloric acid breaks
into hydrogen ion and chloride ion. Hydrogen ion and hydroxide ion combine
together and form water, while sodium ion and chloride ion combine together
and form sodium chloride.

NaOH + HCl → OH− + Na+ + H+ + Cl− → NaCl + H2O

Dilution of Acid and Base:

The concentration of hydrogen ion in an acid and hydroxide ion in a base; per unit
volume; shows the concentration of acid or base.

By mixing of acid to water, the concentration of hydrogen ion per unit volume
decreases. Similarly, by addition of base to water the concentration of hydroxide
ion per unit volume decreases. This process of addition of acid or base to water is
called dilution and the acid or base is called diluted.

The dilution of acid or base is exothermic. Thus, acid or base is always added to
water and water is never added to acid or base. If water is added to a
concentrated acid or base a lot of heat is generated, which may cause splashing
out of acid or base and may cause severe damage as concentrated acid and base
are highly corrosive.
Strength of Acid and Base
Acids in which complete dissociation of hydrogen ion takes place are called strong
acid. Similarly, bases in which complete dissociation of hydroxide ion takes place
are called strong base.

In mineral acids, such as hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, etc.
hydrogen ion dissociates completely and hence they are considered as strong
acid. Since, in organic acids hydrogen ions do not dissociate completely, so they
are weak acid.

Alkalis are water soluble base, thus in alkali; complete dissociation of hydroxide
ions takes place and they are considered as strong base..

The complete dissociation of hydrogen ions or hydroxide ions is shown by a single

arrow. The incomplete dissociation of hydrogen ions or hydroxide ions is denoted
by double arrow.

Example of complete dissociation:

NaOH (aq) → Na+ + OH−

HCl → H+ + Cl−

Example of incomplete dissociation:

Mg(OH)2 → Mg+ + + OH− −

CH3COOH → CH3COO− + H+

Although acetic acid being an organic acid is a weak acid, but concentrated acetic
acid is corrosive and can damage the skin if poured over it.
pH – Measurement of strength of Acid and Base

The strength of acid or base depends upon the hydrogen ion concentration. If the
concentration of hydrogen ion is greater than hydroxide ion, the solution is called
acidic. If the concentration of hydrogen ion is smaller than the hydroxide ion, the
solution is called basic. If the concentration of hydrogen ion is equal to the
concentration of hydroxide ion, the solution is called neutral solution.

pH is a scale which quantifies the concentration of hydrogen ion in a solution. The

range of pH scale is between 0 to 14.

The pH value decreases with increase in hydrogen ion concentration. If the value
of pH is 0, this shows maximum hydrogen ion concentration. pH value equal to 14
shows lowest hydrogen ion concentration. pH value equal to 7 shows the
hydrogen ion concentration is equal to hydroxide ion concentration.
A neutral solution, such as distilled water has value of hydrogen ion concentration
equal to 7 on pH scale. The acidic solution has value of hydrogen ion
concentration less than 7 on pH scale. The basic solution has value of hydrogen
ion concentration greater than 7 on pH scale.

In pH scale ‘p’ stands for ‘potenz’. Potenz is a German word which means ‘power’
or ‘potential’. Here; ‘H’ stands for hydrogen ion. Thus, pH means the potential of
hydrogen or power of hydrogen.

pH is defined as the decimal logarithm of the reciprocal of the hydrogen ion

activity (a(H+ )), in a solution.

ph logarithm formula
Importance of pH in Everyday Life
Are plants and animals pH sensitive?

Our body works within the pH range of 7.0 to 7.8. Living organisms can survive only in a narrow range of
pH change. When pH of rain water is less than 5.6, it is called acid rain. When acid rain flows into the
rivers, it lowers the pH of the river water. The survival of aquatic life in such rivers becomes difficult.

What is the pH of the soil in your backyard?

Plants require a specific pH range for their healthy growth. To find out the pH required for the healthy
growth of a plant, you can collect the soil from various places and check the pH in the manner described
below in Activity 2.12. Also, you can note down which plants are growing in the region from which you
have collected the soil.

pH in our digestive system

pH in our digestive system It is very interesting to note that our stomach produces hydrochloric acid. It
helps in the digestion of food without harming the stomach. During indigestion the stomach produces
too much acid and this causes pain and irritation. To get rid of this pain, people use bases called
antacids. One such remedy must have been suggested by you at the beginning of this Chapter. These
antacids neutralise the excess acid. Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of magnesia), a mild base, is often used
for this purpose

pH change as the cause of tooth decay

Tooth decay starts when the pH of the mouth is lower than 5.5. Tooth enamel, made up of calcium
hydroxyapatite (a crystalline form of calcium phosphate) is the hardest substance in the body. It does
not dissolve in water, but is corroded when the pH in the mouth is below 5.5. Bacteria present in the
mouth produce acids by degradation of sugar and food particles remaining in the mouth after eating.
The best way to prevent this is to clean the mouth after eating food. Using toothpastes, which are
generally basic, for cleaning the teeth can neutralise the excess acid and prevent tooth decay

Self defence by animals and plants through chemical warfare

Have you ever been stung by a honey-bee? Bee-sting leaves an acid which causes pain and irritation.
Use of a mild base like baking soda on the stung area gives relief. Stinging hair of nettle leaves inject
methanoic acid causing burning pain

Nature provides neutralisation options

Nettle is a herbaceous plant which grows in the wild. Its leaves have stinging hair, which cause painful
stings when touched accidentally. This is due to the methanoic acid secreted by them. A traditional
remedy is rubbing the area with the leaf of the dock plant, which often grows beside the nettle in the
wild. Can you guess the nature of the dock plant? So next time you know what to look out for if you
accidentally touch a nettle plant while trekking. Are you aware of any other effective traditional
remedies for such stings?

Indicator:
Substances which show the acidic or basic behavior of other substance by change
in colour are known as indicator.

Type of Indicator: There are many types of indicators. Some common types of
indicators are

1) Natural

2) Olfactory Indicator

3) Synthetic Indicator

4) Universal Indicator

Natural Indicator: Indicators obtained from natural sources are called natural
indicators. Litmus, turmeric, red cabbage, China rose, etc. are some common
natural indicators used widely to show the acidic or basic character of substances.

Litmus: Litmus is obtained from lichens. The solution of litmus is purple in

colour. Litmus paper comes in two colour – blue and red.

An acid turns blue litmus paper red.

A base turns red litmus paper blue.

Turmeric: Turmeric is another natural indicator. Turmeric is yellow in colour.
Turmeric solution or paper turns reddish brown with base. Turmeric does not
change colour with acid.

Red cabbage: The juice of red cabbage is originally purple in colour. Juice of red
cabbage turns reddish with acid and turns greenish with base.

Olfactory Indicators: Substances which change their smell when mixed with
acid or base are known as olfactory indicators. For example onion, vanilla, clove,
etc. Olfactory indicators are used to ensure the participation of visually impaired
students in laboratory.

Onion: Paste or juice of onion loses its smell when added with base. It does not
change its smell with acid.

Vanilla: The smell of vanilla vanishes with base, but it’s smell does not vanishes
with an acid.

Synthetic Indicator: Indicators that are synthesized in laboratory are known as

synthetic indicators. For example; phenolphthalein, methyl orange, etc.

Phenolphthalein is a colourless liquid. It remains colourless with acid but turns

into pink with a base.

Methyl orange is originally orange in colour. It turns into red with acid and turns
into yellow with base.
Universal Indicator:
Using a litmus paper, phelophthalein, methyl orange, etc. only the acidic or basic
character of a solution can be determined, but use of these indicators does not
give the idea about the strength of acid or base. So, to get the strength as well as
acidic and basic nature of a given solution universal indicator is used.

Universal indicator shows different colour over the range of pH value from 1 to 14
for a given solution. Universal indicator is available both in the form of strips and
solution. Universal indicator is the combination of many indicators, such as water,
propanol, phelophthalein, sodium salt, sodium hydroxide, methyl red,
bromothymol blue monosodium salt, and thymol blue monosodium salt. The
colour matching chart is supplied with universal indicator which shows the
different colours for different values of pH.
Characteristics of salt:
Most of the salts are crystalline solid

Salts may be transparent or opaque

Most of the salts are soluble in water

Solution of salts conducts electricity. Salts conduct electricity in their molten state
also

The salt may be salty, sour, sweet, bitter and umami (savoury)

Neutral salts are odourless

Salts can be colourless or coloured

Salt:
Salts are the ionic compounds which are produced after the neutralization
reaction between acid and base. Salts are electrically neutral. There are number
of salts but sodium chloride is the most common among them. Sodium chloride is
also known as table salt or common salt. Sodium chloride is used to enhance the
taste of food.

Family of Salt:
Salts having common acidic or basic radicals are said to belong to same family.

Example: Sodium chloride (NaCl) and Calcium chloride (CaCl2) belong to chloride
family.

Calcium chloride (CaCl2) and calcium sulphate (CaSO4) belong to calcium family.

Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and Zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) belong to zinc family.
Acidic, Basic and Neutral Salts:
Neutral Salt: Salts produced because of reaction between strong acid and
strong base are neutral in nature. The pH value of such salts is equal to 7, i.e.
neutral. Example; Sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, potassium chloride, etc.

Sodium chloride (NaCl) is formed after the reaction between hydrochloric acid (a
strong acid) and sodium hydroxide (a strong base).

NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H2O

Sodium sulphate (Na2SO4): It is formed after the reaction between sodium

hydroxide (a strong base) and sulphuric acid (a strong acid).

2NaOH + H2SO4 → Na2SO4 + 2H2O

Potassium chloride (KCl): It is formed after the reaction between potassium

hydroxide (a strong base) and hydrochloric acid (a strong acid).

KOH + HCl → KCl + H2O

Acidic salt:
Salts which are formed after the reaction between a strong acid and weak base
are called acidic salt. The pH value of acidic salt is lower than 7. Example:
ammonium sulphate, ammonium chloride, etc.
Ammonium chloride is formed after reaction between hydrochloric acid (a strong
acid) and ammonium hydroxide (a weak base).

NH4OH + HCl→ NH4Cl + H2O

Ammonium sulphate is formed after reaction between ammonium hydroxide

(weak base) and sulphuric acid (a strong acid).

2NH4OH + H2SO4 → (NH4 )2SO4 + 2H2O

Basic Salt: Salts which are formed after the reaction between weak acid and
strong base are called basic salt. For example; sodium carbonate, sodium acetate,
etc.

Sodium carbonate is formed after the reaction between sodium hydroxide (a

strong base) and carbonic acid (a weak base).

H2CO3 + 2NaOH → Na2CO3 + 2H2O

Sodium acetate is formed after the reaction between a strong base, sodium
hydroxide and a weak acid, acetic acid.

CH3COOH + NaOH → CH3COONa + H2O

Cause of formation of acidic, basic and neutral salt:

When a strong acid reacts with a weak base, the base is unable to fully neutralize
the acid. Due to this an acidic salt is formed in this case.
When a strong base reacts with a weak acid, the acid is unable to fully neutralize
the base. Due to this a basic salt is formed in this case.

When equally strong acid and base react they fully neutralize each other. Due to
this a neutral salt is formed in this case.

pH value of salt:
Neutral salt: The pH value of a neutral salt is almost equal to 7.

Acidic salt: The pH value of an acidic salt is less than 7.

Basic salt: The pH value of a basic salt is more than 7.

Common Salt (Sodium Chloride):

Sodium chloride (NaCl) is also known as common or table salt. It is formed after
the reaction between sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid. It is a neutral salt.
The pH value of sodium chloride is about 7. Sodium chloride is used to enhance
the taste of food. Sodium chloride is used in manufacturing of many chemicals.

Important chemicals from sodium chloride:

Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH): Sodium hydroxide is a strong base. It is also known as
caustic soda or Lye. It is obtained by the electrolytic decomposition of solution of
sodium chloride (brine). In the process of electrolytic decomposition of brine
(aqueous solution of sodium chloride), brine decomposes to form sodium
hydroxide. In this process, chlorine is obtained at anode and hydrogen gas is
obtained at cathode as by products. This whole process is known as Chlor-Alkali
process.

2NaCl + 2H2O → 2NaOH + Cl2 + H2

Use of products after the electrolysis of brine:
Hydrogen gas is used as fuel, margarine, in making of ammonia for fertilizer, etc.

Chlorine gas is used in water treatment, manufacturing of PVC, disinfectants, CFC,

pesticides. It is also used in manufacturing of bleaching powder and hydrochloric
acid.

Sodium hydroxide is used for de-greasing of metals, manufacturing of paper,

soap, detergents, artificial fibres, bleach, etc.

Bleaching Powder (CaOCl2 ):

Bleaching powder is also known as chloride of lime. It is a solid and yellowish
white in colour. Bleaching powder can be easily identified by the strong smell of
chlorine.

When calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) reacts with chlorine, it gives calcium
oxychloride (bleaching powder) and water is formed.

Ca(OH)2 + Cl2 → CaOCl2 + H2O

Aqueous solution of bleaching powder is basic in nature: The

term bleach means removal of colour. Bleaching powder is often used as
bleaching agent. It works because of oxidation. Chlorine in the bleaching powder
is responsible for bleaching effect.

Use of bleaching powder:

Bleaching powder is used as disinfectant to clean water, moss remover, weed
killers, etc.

Bleaching powder is used for bleaching of cotton in textile industry, bleaching of

wood pulp in paper industry.

Bleaching powder is used as oxidizing agent in many industries, such as textiles

industry, paper industry, etc.

Baking Soda (NaHCO3 ):

Baking soda is another important product which can be obtained using by
products of chlor-alkali process. The chemical name of baking soda is sodium
hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3 ) or sodium bicarbonate. Bread soda, cooking soda,
bicarbonate of soda, sodium bicarb, bicarb of soda or simply bicarb, etc. are some
other names of baking soda.

Baking soda is obtained by the reaction of brine with carbon dioxide and
ammonia. This is known as Solvay process.

NaCl + CO2 + NH3 + H2O → NH4Cl + NaHCO3

In this process, calcium carbonate is used as the source of CO2 and the resultant
calcium oxide is used to recover ammonia from ammonium chloride.

Properties of sodium bicarbonate:

Sodium bicarbonate is white crystalline solid, but it appears as fine powder.

Sodium hydrogen carbonate is amphoteric in nature.

Sodium hydrogen carbonate is sparingly soluble in water.

Thermal decomposition of sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda).

When baking soda is heated, it decomposes into sodium carbonate, carbon
dioxide and water.

2NaHCO3 + heat → Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O

Sodium carbonate formed after thermal decomposition of sodium hydrogen

carbonate; decomposes into sodium oxide and carbon dioxide on further heating.

Na2CO3 → Na2O + CO2

This reaction is known as dehydration reaction.

Use of Baking Soda:

Baking soda is used in making of baking powder, which is used in cooking as it
produces carbon dioxide which makes the batter soft and spongy.

Baking soda is used as antacid.

Baking soda is used in toothpaste which makes the teeth white and plaque free.

Baking soda is used in cleansing of ornaments made of sliver.

Since, sodium hydrogen carbonate gives carbon dioxide and sodium oxide on
strong heating, thus it is used as fire extinguisher.

Baking powder:
Baking powder produces carbon dioxide on heating, so it is used in cooking to
make the batter spongy. Although baking soda also produces carbon dioxide on
heating, but it is not used in cooking because on heating; baking soda produces
sodium carbonate along with carbon dioxide. The sodium carbonate; thus
produced; makes the taste bitter.

2NaHCO3 + heat → Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O

Baking powder is the mixture of baking soda and a mild edible acid. Generally,
tartaric acid is mixed with baking soda to make baking powder.

NaHCO3 + C4H6O6 → CO2 + H2O + Na2C4H4O6

When baking powder (mixture of baking soda and an edible acid) is heated, the
sodium carbonate formed because of heating of baking soda neutralizes after
reacting with tartaric acid and sodium tartarate salt is formed. The smell of
sodium tartarate is pleasant and taste is good. This makes the cake or any other
food tasty.

Washing Soda (Sodium carbonate)

Sodium carbonate is manufactured by the thermal decomposition of sodium
hydrogen carbonate obtained by Solvay process.

NaCl + CO2 + NH3 + H2O → NH4Cl + NaHCO3

NaHCO3 + C4H6O6 → CO2 + H2O + Na2C4H4O6

The sodium carbonate obtained in this process is dry. It is called soda ash or
anhydrous sodium carbonate. Washing soda is obtained by rehydration of
anhydrous sodium carbonate.
Na2CO3 + 10H2O → Na2CO3.10H2O

Since there are 10 water molecules in washing soda, hence it is known as Sodium
bicarbonate decahydrate.

Sodium carbonate is a crystalline solid and it is soluble in water when most of the
carbonates are insoluble in water.

Use of sodium carbonate:

It is used in cleaning of cloths; especially in rural areas.

In making of detergent cake and powder.

In removing permanent hardness of water.

It is used in glass and paper industries.

Water of crystallization: Many salts contain water molecule and are known as
hydrated salts. The water molecule present in salt is known as water of
crystallization.

Examples:

Copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O):Blue colour of copper sulphate is

due to presence of 5 molecules of water. When copper sulphate is heated, it loses
water molecules and turns into grey-white colour, which is known as anhydrous
copper sulphate. After adding water; anhydrous copper sulphate becomes blue
again.
CuSO4.5H2O + heat → CuSO4

Ferrous Sulphate heptahydrate (FeSO4.7H2O): The green colour of Ferrous

sulphate heptahydrate; commonly known as ferrous sulphate; is due to the
presence of 7 molecules of water in it.

Plaster of Paris
Plaster of Paris is obtained by heating of gypsum, a hydrated salt of calcium.

CaSO4.2H2O + Heat → CaSO4.(0.5)H2O + (1.5)H2O

After addition of water Plaster of Paris is again converted into gypsum.

CaSO4.(0.5)H2O + (1.5)H2O → CaSO4.2H2O

Plaster of Paris is used in making of toys, designer false ceiling, etc. Doctors use
Plaster of Paris to set the fractured bone.