Carbonic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide
H2CO3 + 2NaOH → Na2CO3 + 2H2O
Overview
Carbonic acid, formed when CO₂ dissolves in water, reacts with two equivalents of sodium hydroxide to form sodium carbonate. This is the basis of CO₂ scrubbing with alkali solutions. The first neutralization produces sodium bicarbonate, and the second converts it to carbonate.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Carbonic Acid H₂CO₃ | 1 | (aq) |
| Reactant | Sodium Hydroxide NaOH | 2 | (aq) |
| Product | Sodium Carbonate Na₂CO₃ | 1 | (aq) |
| Product | Water H₂O | 2 | (l) |
Everyday Example
CO₂ scrubbers in submarines and spacecraft use this chemistry to remove exhaled carbon dioxide from breathable air.
Industrial Importance
NaOH-based CO₂ scrubbing is used in carbon capture technology, submarine and spacecraft life support, and in the purification of industrial gas streams.
Properties
- Type
- Acid-Base
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -100.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System
Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization
Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water
Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base)
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl
Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride Buffer System
Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid
Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide
Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Carbonic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?
The balanced equation is: H₂CO₃ + 2NaOH → Na₂CO₃ + 2H₂O.
What type of reaction is Carbonic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?
Carbonic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is a acid-base reaction.
Is Carbonic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide exothermic or endothermic?
Carbonic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -100.0 kJ/mol.