Salts > Chemicals from Common Salt

The salt formed by the combination of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide solution is called sodium chloride. This is the salt that you use in food.

2NaCl(aq) + 2H₂O(l) → 2NaOH(aq) + Cl₂(g) + H₂(g)

2Ca(OH)₂ + 2Cl₂ → Ca(ClO)₂ + CaCl₂ + 2H₂O

\[\begin{aligned}
NaCl+H_2O+CO_2+NH_3 & \to\mathrm{NH}_4\mathrm{Cl~}+\mathrm{~NaHCO}_3 \\
& \text{(Ammonium (Sodium} \\
& \text{chloride) hydrogencarbonate)}
\end{aligned}\]

This reaction takes place when it isheated during cooking: \[2\mathrm{NaHCO}_3\xrightarrow{\mathrm{Heat}}\mathrm{Na}_2\mathrm{CO}_3+\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}+\mathrm{CO}_2\]
(Sodium                   (Sodium
hydrogencarbonate)  carbonate)

Na₂CO₃ + 10H₂O → Na₂CO₃ . 10H₂O
(Sodium
carbonate)

1. Common salt (NaCl) is a neutral salt and serves as a raw material for many useful chemicals like sodium hydroxide, bleaching powder, baking soda, and washing soda.
2. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is produced by the electrolysis of brine and is used in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, and paper.
3. Bleaching powder is made by reacting chlorine with dry slaked lime and is used for disinfection, textile bleaching, and as an oxidising agent.
4. Baking soda (NaHCO₃) is used in cooking, antacids, and fire extinguishers. It is produced using NaCl and has mild alkaline properties.
5. Washing soda (Na₂CO₃·10H₂O) is obtained by recrystallisation of sodium carbonate and is used in cleaning, softening hard water, and various industrial processes.