How Does Sodium Sulfate Act As A Drying Agent?

Sodium sulfate acts as a drying agent by its ability to absorb water molecules from a substance. When sodium sulfate is added to a wet or damp substance, it forms hydrates with the water molecules present in the substance. As a result, the sodium sulfate removes the water from the substance and forms anhydrous sodium sulfate, which is a highly effective drying agent. The anhydrous sodium sulfate can then be easily separated from the dry substance through filtration or decantation. This process is commonly used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals, to remove water from substances prior to further processing or analysis.