Na2SO4H2O

Na2SO4H2O represents a hydrated form of sodium sulfate. Specifically, it refers to sodium sulfate decahydrate, also known by the mineral name mirabilite or Glauber's salt. In this form, each formula unit of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) is associated with ten molecules of water (H2O). The chemical formula is therefore often written as Na2SO4·10H2O to explicitly indicate the presence of these water molecules within the crystal structure. This compound is a white crystalline solid that readily dissolves in water. It is hygroscopic, meaning it tends to absorb moisture from the air, and can effloresce, losing its water of hydration when exposed to dry air. Sodium sulfate decahydrate has a melting point of approximately 32.4 degrees Celsius. Above this temperature, it melts in its own water of crystallization. This salt has a long history of use in various industrial applications, including the production of detergents, glass, and paper. It is also found naturally in salt lakes and mineral springs. The anhydrous form, Na2SO4, is also a common chemical compound.