Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Carbonate

2HCl + Na2CO3 → 2NaCl + H2O + CO2

Overview

Hydrochloric acid reacts with sodium carbonate (washing soda) to produce sodium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide gas. The carbonate ion is a Brønsted base that accepts two protons. The reaction proceeds in two steps: first forming bicarbonate, then decomposing carbonic acid to CO₂ and water.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Sodium Carbonate Na₂CO₃ 1 (s)
Reactant Hydrochloric Acid HCl 2 (aq)
Product Carbon Dioxide CO₂ 1 (g)
Product Water H₂O 1 (l)
Product Sodium Chloride NaCl 2 (aq)

Everyday Example

The fizzing that occurs when washing soda contacts acidic cleaning solutions is due to CO₂ evolution from this reaction.

Industrial Importance

This reaction is used to neutralize acid waste streams in industry, in the Solvay process for sodium carbonate production, and in water treatment.

Properties

Type
Acid-Base
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-24.3 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 Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Carbonate?
The balanced equation is: 2HCl + Na₂CO₃ → 2NaCl + H₂O + CO₂.
What type of reaction is Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Carbonate?
Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Carbonate is a acid-base reaction.
Is Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Carbonate exothermic or endothermic?
Hydrochloric Acid and Sodium Carbonate is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -24.3 kJ/mol.