Na2so4
Na2SO4 is a chemical compound with the molecular formula Na2SO4, which consists of two sodium (Na) ions and one sulfate (SO4) ion. It is also known as sodium sulfate.
Sodium sulfate is a white, crystalline solid that is soluble in water. It is commonly used in industries such as detergents, paper, glass, and textiles as a filler, neutralizer, and drying agent. In addition, it is used in the manufacture of sodium sulfide, which is used to make dyes and other chemicals.
Sodium sulfate can be produced through several methods, including the reaction between sodium chloride (NaCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4), or by evaporation of natural salt lakes or brines. It occurs naturally in some mineral springs and is also found in certain minerals such as thenardite and mirabilite.
Sodium sulfate has a variety of applications in different industries. In the detergent industry, it is used as a filler to increase the volume of powdered detergent, and it also helps to soften hard water. In the paper industry, it is used to improve the strength and durability of paper, while in the glass industry, it is used as a fining agent to remove impurities from molten glass.
Sodium sulfate is also used in medical applications as a laxative and in some eye drops. It can be used as a food additive, where it is designated as E514, and is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and anti-caking agent.