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.