natriumsulfat

Natriumsulfat, commonly known as sodium sulfate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na2SO4. It is a white, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. In nature it occurs primarily as the decahydrate Na2SO4·10H2O, known as Glauber's salt, and as the anhydrous salt Na2SO4 (thenardite) in dry environments. The decahydrate is stable at room temperature and loses water upon heating to form the anhydrous salt at about 32 °C.

Production and occurrence: Sodium sulfate occurs naturally in evaporite deposits and is recovered commercially from brines. Industrially it is produced by the sulfate process, which involves reactions starting from sodium chloride and sulfuric acid to form sodium sulfate after successive conversions. It is also obtained as a byproduct from chlorine-alkali processes and from natural resources.

Uses: Sodium sulfate has wide industrial use. It is employed as a filler and processing aid in detergents and cleansers; in the glass industry as a fining agent and melt modifier; in the pulp and paper industry; in textiles; and as a drying agent for solvents in laboratories and some chemical manufacturing applications.

Safety and properties: It is considered of low acute toxicity and is not flammable. It may cause irritation to eyes, skin, or lungs if dust is inhaled. It is highly soluble in water; the decahydrate is stable below around 32 °C, and heating beyond that yields the anhydrous form. Stored in a dry place to avoid hydration.