Sodium chloride and Sodium hydroxide

Sodium chloride and Sodium hydroxide

Edited By Shivani Poonia | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:57 PM IST

Sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly known by the names table salt, rock salt, sea salt, or common salt, is a white, crystalline, hygroscopic solid with a melting point of 1081K and a boiling point of 1713K necessary chemical with a wide range of applications in both daily life and industry. Seawater contains about 2.95 percent NaCl, while brine is a concentrated 28 percent aqueous NaCl solution. Seawater is the primary source of sodium chloride, as it evaporates when exposed to sunshine. But the unprocessed salt contains impurities including calcium chloride (CaCl₂), magnesium chloride (MgCl₂), and calcium sulfate (CaSO₄).

This Story also Contains
  1. Sodium Chloride(NaCl)
  2. Preparation
  3. Physical Properties
  4. Uses
  5. Sodium Hydroxide(NaOH)
  6. Preparation
  7. Physical Properties
  8. Uses
  9. Some Solved Examples
  10. Conclusion
Sodium chloride  and Sodium hydroxide
Sodium chloride and Sodium hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), or caustic soda, is another crucial chemical with a variety of industrial and laboratory uses. It is created by heating a solution of ferric oxide and sodium carbonate to create sodium ferrite, which is subsequently hydrolyzed to form NaOH. Other techniques include the Causticization or Gossage Method, which creates NaOH by mixing lime (CaO + Ca(OH)₂) with sodium carbonate. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a white, crystalline, deliquescent solid that dissolves more readily in water than alcohol. It has a soapy texture and a melting point of 591 Kelvin.

Also read -

Sodium Chloride(NaCl)

It is called common salt, rock salt, sea salt, or table salt. Seawater has nearly 2.95% NaCl. 28% aqueous NaCl solution is called brine.

Preparation

It is mainly manufactured from seawater by evaporation in the sun. As it contains impurities of MgCl2, CaCl2, CaSO4 hence it is further purified by passing HCl gas where due to the common ion effect pure NaCl gets precipitated.

Physical Properties

  • It is a white crystalline solid and hygroscopic in nature.
  • It melts at 1081K and boils at 1713K.
  • It dissolves in water and the process of dissolution is endothermic.
  • Its solubility is 36g per 100g of water at 273K. The solubility does not increase much with the increase in temperature.

Uses

  • It is an essential constituent of our food.
  • It is used in the manufacture of sodium, sodium hydroxide, washing soda, hydrogen chloride, chlorine, etc.
  • It is used in freezing the mixture.
  • It is used for the preparation of soap.
  • It is used for regenerating ion exchange resins.
NEET Highest Scoring Chapters & Topics
This ebook serves as a valuable study guide for NEET exams, specifically designed to assist students in light of recent changes and the removal of certain topics from the NEET exam.
Download EBook

Sodium Hydroxide(NaOH)

It is also known as caustic soda.

Preparation

It is prepared by the following methods:

  • Gossage or Causticization Method
    In this method, a suspension of lime [CaO+Ca(OH)2] is treated with sodium carbonate to obtain NaOH as follows:Na2CO3+Ca(OH)2→2NaOH+CaCO3
  • Lowig's Method
    Here a mixture of sodium carbonate and ferric oxide is heated in a revolving furnace up to redness to get sodium ferrite which is first of all cooled and hydrolyzed by hot water into NaOH solution and insoluble ferric oxide. The solution is filtered and evaporated up to dryness to get the flacks of NaOH.
    Na2CO3+Fe2O3→ Fusion 2NaFeO22NaFeO2→H2O,Δ2NaOH+Fe2O3

Physical Properties

  • It is a white crystalline, deliquescent soapy solid with a melting point of 591.4K.
  • It is highly soluble in water but less soluble in alcohol.
  • It is corrosive in nature and bitter in taste.

Uses

  • The manufacture of soap, paper, artificial silk, and a number of chemicals.
  • In petroleum refining.
  • In the purification of bauxite.
  • In the textile industries for mercerizing cotton fabrics.
  • For the preparation of pure fats and oils,
  • As a laboratory reagent.

Recommended topic video on(sodium chloride and sodium hydroxide)


Some Solved Examples

Q.1 A white sodium salt dissolves readily in water to give a solution that is neutral to litmus. When silver nitrate solution is added to the aforementioned solution, a white precipitate is obtained which does not dissolve in dil. nitric acid. The anion is :

1).CO32-

2).SO42-

3).Cl-

4).S2-

Solution:

As we learned in

NaCl→Na++Cl−→AgNO3AgCl+NaNO3 (Neutral) (White ppt) AgCl does not dissolve in HNO3

Hence, the answer is option (3).

Q.2 NaOH can be prepared by :

Electrolysis of concentrated solution of KCl

Electrolysis of concentrated solution of Na2CO3

Electrolysis of concentrated solution of NaHCO3

Electrolysis of concentrated solution of NaCl

Solution:

As we learned

Preparation of NaOH by Electrolytic method -

By electrolysis of a concentrated solution of NaCl

NaCl(aq)→Na++Cl−

At anode: 2Cl−→Cl2+2e−
At cathode: 2H2O+2e−⇌H2+2OH−
Na++OH−→NaOH

NaOH can be prepared by electrolysis of a concentrated solution of NaCl

Hence, the answer is the option (4).

Also check-

Conclusion

Summary of Sodium Chloride (NaCl)

  • Common salt, rock salt, sea salt, and table salt are some of the names for sodium chloride (NaCl).
  • Occurrence: In seawater, 2.95 percent of the concentration is present. The preparation involves evaporating seawater using sunlight and then using HCl gas to remove any impurities.
  • Physical features include being white, crystalline, and hygroscopic (able to absorb moisture). At 1713K, it boils, and at 1081K, it melts.
  • Applications: Hydrogen chloride, washing soda, sodium hydroxide, and chlorine generation; the latter is necessary for food manufacturing. Its other applications include the manufacture of soap, freezing combinations, and ion exchange resin regeneration.

Summary of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

  • Caustic soda, commonly referred to as sodium hydroxide or NaOH
  • White, crystalline, foamy solid, and deliquescent (absorbing moisture) are some of its physical features with melting point.591.41°C
  • Applications include the manufacturing of paper, soap, synthetic silk, and other compounds. used to prepare clean fats and oils, refine petroleum, purify bauxite, and mercerize cotton for the textile industry.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is NaCl, or sodium chloride?

Sodium chloride is a white crystalline substance that is frequently known as table salt or just salt.

2. What are the physical properties of sodium hydroxide, (NaOH)?

Sodium hydroxide is a white, crystalline solid that deliquesces or absorbs moisture.

3. What is NaOH, or sodium hydroxide?

Caustic soda, or sodium hydroxide, is a strong alkaline compound.

4. What is the chemical behavior of Sodium Hydroxide?

Sodium Hydroxide is a strong base that completely dissociates in water and produces sodium (Na⁺) and hydroxide (OH⁻) ions.

5. What safety measures must be followed when dealing with sodium hydroxide?

Sodium hydroxide is extremely corrosive in nature and can burn skin and eyes severely if, it comes into contact with it.

6. How does the solubility of sodium chloride compare to that of sodium hydroxide?
Sodium hydroxide is generally more soluble in water than sodium chloride. At room temperature, about 36 grams of sodium chloride can dissolve in 100 mL of water, while about 100 grams of sodium hydroxide can dissolve in the same amount of water. This difference is due to the stronger interaction between water molecules and the hydroxide ions in sodium hydroxide.
7. Why is sodium hydroxide considered a stronger base than sodium chloride?
Sodium hydroxide is considered a stronger base than sodium chloride because it releases hydroxide (OH-) ions in solution, which can accept protons (H+) from other substances. Sodium chloride does not produce OH- ions and is neutral in solution.
8. Why is sodium hydroxide considered a strong electrolyte while sodium chloride is considered a strong ionic compound?
Both sodium hydroxide and sodium chloride are strong electrolytes because they completely dissociate in water. The term "strong ionic compound" for sodium chloride emphasizes its ionic bonding nature, while "strong electrolyte" for sodium hydroxide highlights its complete dissociation and electrical conductivity in solution.
9. What is the difference between the dissolution of sodium chloride and the dissociation of sodium hydroxide in water?
The dissolution of sodium chloride involves the separation of Na+ and Cl- ions, which become hydrated in water without changing the solution's pH. The dissociation of sodium hydroxide produces Na+ and OH- ions, with the hydroxide ions significantly increasing the solution's pH.
10. What is the difference between the hydration of sodium chloride and the hydrolysis of sodium hydroxide?
Hydration of sodium chloride involves water molecules surrounding the Na+ and Cl- ions without chemical reaction. Hydrolysis of sodium hydroxide involves a chemical reaction between the hydroxide ions and water molecules, producing additional OH- ions and affecting the solution's pH.
11. How does sodium hydroxide form when sodium reacts with water?
When sodium metal reacts with water, it forms sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The reaction can be represented as: 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2. This reaction is highly exothermic and can be dangerous due to the release of flammable hydrogen gas.
12. Why is sodium hydroxide used in the Castner-Kellner process?
The Castner-Kellner process uses sodium hydroxide as an electrolyte in the electrolysis of brine (NaCl solution) to produce chlorine gas and sodium hydroxide. The NaOH produced is both a product and part of the electrolyte solution.
13. Why is sodium chloride used in the production of chlorine gas?
Sodium chloride is used in chlorine gas production because it's an abundant and inexpensive source of chloride ions. Through electrolysis of molten NaCl or concentrated brine solution, chlorine gas can be efficiently produced along with sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
14. What is the chemical formula of sodium chloride?
The chemical formula of sodium chloride is NaCl. This formula represents one sodium (Na) atom bonded to one chlorine (Cl) atom, forming an ionic compound.
15. Why is sodium chloride considered an ionic compound?
Sodium chloride is considered an ionic compound because it forms through the transfer of electrons between sodium and chlorine atoms. The sodium atom loses one electron to become a positively charged ion (Na+), while the chlorine atom gains one electron to become a negatively charged ion (Cl-). These oppositely charged ions are held together by strong electrostatic forces.
16. How does sodium chloride dissolve in water?
When sodium chloride dissolves in water, the polar water molecules surround and separate the Na+ and Cl- ions. This process is called dissociation. The ions become hydrated, with water molecules oriented around them, allowing the salt to disperse throughout the solution.
17. What is the primary use of sodium chloride in everyday life?
The primary use of sodium chloride in everyday life is as table salt for seasoning and preserving food. It also has numerous industrial applications, including de-icing roads, water treatment, and as a raw material in chemical production.
18. Why does sodium chloride have a high melting point?
Sodium chloride has a high melting point (801°C) due to the strong ionic bonds between Na+ and Cl- ions in its crystal lattice. These bonds require a significant amount of energy to break, resulting in a high melting point.
19. How does sodium chloride differ from sodium hydroxide in terms of their chemical composition?
Sodium chloride (NaCl) consists of sodium and chlorine atoms, while sodium hydroxide (NaOH) contains sodium, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms. The key difference is the presence of the hydroxide ion (OH-) in sodium hydroxide instead of the chloride ion (Cl-) in sodium chloride.
20. How does the reaction of sodium hydroxide with an acid differ from the reaction of sodium chloride with an acid?
Sodium hydroxide reacts with acids in a neutralization reaction, producing water and a salt. For example, NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H2O. Sodium chloride, being a neutral salt, does not typically react with acids unless the acid is strong enough to produce a more volatile acid (like HCl from NaCl and H2SO4).
21. What is the difference between the hygroscopic nature of sodium chloride and sodium hydroxide?
While both can absorb moisture, sodium hydroxide is significantly more hygroscopic than sodium chloride. Sodium hydroxide readily absorbs moisture from the air and can form a liquid solution (deliquescence), while sodium chloride absorbs moisture to a much lesser extent and typically remains solid.
22. What is the role of sodium hydroxide in the production of biodiesel?
Sodium hydroxide acts as a catalyst in the production of biodiesel through the transesterification process. It helps convert triglycerides from vegetable oils or animal fats into fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel) and glycerol.
23. What is the role of sodium hydroxide in the Bayer process for aluminum production?
In the Bayer process, sodium hydroxide is used to dissolve aluminum-containing minerals (primarily bauxite) under high temperature and pressure. This forms a solution of sodium aluminate, from which pure aluminum hydroxide can be precipitated and then converted to aluminum oxide.
24. How does the reactivity of sodium chloride compare to that of sodium hydroxide?
Sodium hydroxide is much more reactive than sodium chloride. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base that readily reacts with acids and many other substances, while sodium chloride is relatively inert and does not react as easily with other compounds.
25. Why is sodium hydroxide often used in soap making?
Sodium hydroxide is used in soap making because it reacts with fats or oils in a process called saponification. This reaction produces soap (sodium salts of fatty acids) and glycerol, with the strong base catalyzing the hydrolysis of the triglycerides in the fats.
26. How does sodium hydroxide behave as a desiccant?
Sodium hydroxide acts as a desiccant due to its hygroscopic nature, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. This property makes it useful for drying gases and organic liquids in laboratory and industrial settings.
27. What is the role of sodium chloride in the chlor-alkali process?
In the chlor-alkali process, sodium chloride serves as the raw material for producing chlorine gas, sodium hydroxide, and hydrogen gas through electrolysis. This process is a major industrial application of sodium chloride.
28. How does sodium hydroxide differ from sodium chloride in terms of its properties and uses?
Sodium hydroxide is a strong base, while sodium chloride is a neutral salt. Sodium hydroxide is highly corrosive and used in various industrial processes such as paper production, soap making, and chemical manufacturing. Sodium chloride, on the other hand, is non-corrosive and primarily used for food seasoning and preservation.
29. Why doesn't a solution of sodium chloride conduct electricity in its solid state?
In its solid state, the ions in sodium chloride are fixed in a crystal lattice and cannot move freely. Electrical conductivity requires the movement of charged particles, which is not possible in the solid state. However, when dissolved in water or melted, the ions become mobile and can conduct electricity.
30. How does the solubility of sodium chloride change with temperature?
The solubility of sodium chloride increases slightly with temperature. Unlike many other salts, the increase is relatively small, with solubility changing from about 35.7 g/100 mL at 0°C to 39.12 g/100 mL at 100°C.
31. How does the presence of sodium chloride affect the freezing point of water?
The presence of sodium chloride lowers the freezing point of water. This freezing point depression occurs because the dissolved ions interfere with the formation of ice crystals, requiring a lower temperature for freezing to occur.
32. Why is sodium chloride used in water softening processes?
Sodium chloride is used in water softening processes to regenerate ion exchange resins. The sodium ions from the salt replace calcium and magnesium ions that cause water hardness, effectively "softening" the water.
33. How does sodium chloride affect the colligative properties of a solution?
Sodium chloride affects colligative properties by increasing the number of particles in solution. This leads to decreased vapor pressure, increased boiling point, decreased freezing point, and increased osmotic pressure of the solution.
34. How does the solubility of sodium chloride in water compare to its solubility in organic solvents?
Sodium chloride is highly soluble in water due to the polar nature of water molecules, which can effectively solvate the Na+ and Cl- ions. It is generally insoluble or only slightly soluble in most organic solvents, which are typically non-polar and cannot effectively separate and surround the ions.
35. How does the presence of sodium chloride affect the surface tension of water?
The presence of sodium chloride slightly increases the surface tension of water. This occurs because the strong interactions between water molecules and the dissolved ions create a more structured surface layer, requiring more energy to break.
36. What is the pH of a sodium chloride solution?
A pure sodium chloride solution is neutral, with a pH of 7. This is because neither the Na+ nor the Cl- ions react with water to produce H+ or OH- ions, which would affect the pH.
37. Why is sodium chloride considered an electrolyte?
Sodium chloride is considered an electrolyte because when dissolved in water, it dissociates into Na+ and Cl- ions. These ions can conduct electricity in the solution, making it electrically conductive.
38. How does the structure of solid sodium chloride differ from its structure when dissolved in water?
In solid form, sodium chloride exists as a crystal lattice with Na+ and Cl- ions arranged in a repeating cubic pattern. When dissolved in water, these ions separate and become surrounded by water molecules (hydrated), dispersing throughout the solution.
39. What is the role of sodium chloride in maintaining osmotic balance in living organisms?
Sodium chloride plays a crucial role in maintaining osmotic balance in living organisms by regulating the concentration of fluids inside and outside cells. It helps control blood pressure, fluid balance, and nerve impulse transmission.
40. How does the formation of sodium chloride demonstrate the octet rule?
The formation of sodium chloride demonstrates the octet rule as both sodium and chlorine atoms achieve a stable electron configuration of eight valence electrons. Sodium loses one electron to become Na+ with a noble gas configuration, while chlorine gains one electron to become Cl- with a full outer shell.
41. What is the difference between table salt and pure sodium chloride?
Table salt is primarily sodium chloride but often contains additives such as iodine (for thyroid health) and anti-caking agents to prevent clumping. Pure sodium chloride consists solely of Na+ and Cl- ions without any additional substances.
42. Why is sodium chloride considered a strong electrolyte while acetic acid is a weak electrolyte?
Sodium chloride is a strong electrolyte because it completely dissociates into ions when dissolved in water. Acetic acid is a weak electrolyte because it only partially dissociates in water, with most molecules remaining intact in solution.
43. How does the presence of sodium chloride affect the boiling point of water?
The presence of sodium chloride increases the boiling point of water. This phenomenon, known as boiling point elevation, occurs because the dissolved ions interfere with the water molecules' ability to escape into the gas phase, requiring more energy (higher temperature) to boil.
44. How does the crystal structure of sodium chloride contribute to its properties?
The crystal structure of sodium chloride, a face-centered cubic lattice, contributes to its high melting point, brittleness, and electrical insulation in the solid state. Each ion is surrounded by six oppositely charged ions, creating a stable, tightly-packed structure.
45. How does the ionic radius of sodium compare to that of chlorine, and how does this affect the formation of sodium chloride?
The ionic radius of sodium (Na+) is smaller than that of chlorine (Cl-). This size difference allows for efficient packing in the crystal lattice of sodium chloride, contributing to the stability of the compound.
46. What is the difference between anhydrous sodium chloride and its hydrated form?
Anhydrous sodium chloride contains no water molecules in its crystal structure, while hydrated sodium chloride (which is rare) would contain water molecules within its crystal lattice. Most commonly encountered sodium chloride is anhydrous.
47. How does the electron configuration of sodium and chlorine lead to the formation of sodium chloride?
Sodium has one valence electron in its outer shell, while chlorine has seven. The transfer of the single electron from sodium to chlorine allows both atoms to achieve a stable octet configuration, forming the ionic bond in sodium chloride.
48. How does the presence of sodium chloride affect the activity of enzymes in biological systems?
The presence of sodium chloride can affect enzyme activity by influencing ionic strength and osmotic balance. Moderate concentrations are often necessary for optimal enzyme function, while high concentrations can denature proteins and inhibit enzyme activity.
49. How does the presence of sodium chloride affect the electrical conductivity of water?
The presence of sodium chloride significantly increases the electrical conductivity of water. When dissolved, the Na+ and Cl- ions are free to move and carry electrical charge through the solution, making it a good conductor of electricity.
50. How does the presence of sodium chloride affect the rate of corrosion in metals?
The presence of sodium chloride generally increases the rate of corrosion in metals. The chloride ions can penetrate protective oxide layers on metal surfaces, and the increased conductivity of salt solutions facilitates electrochemical corrosion processes.
51. How does the structure of sodium chloride in its molten state differ from its structure in the solid state?
In the solid state, sodium chloride has a rigid crystal lattice structure. In the molten state, the ions are free to move, resulting in a liquid where Na+ and Cl- ions are mobile but still interact through electrostatic forces.
52. Why is sodium hydroxide used in the production of paper?
Sodium hydroxide is used in paper production to break down wood chips into wood pulp. It helps to separate lignin from cellulose fibers, a process known as chemical pulping or the Kraft process. This results in stronger paper products.
53. How does the presence of sodium chloride affect the vapor pressure of water?
The presence of sodium chloride lowers the vapor pressure of water. This occurs because the dissolved ions interact with water molecules, reducing their ability to escape into the gas phase. This effect is an example of Raoult's law for non-volatile solutes.
54. What is the difference between the solvation of sodium chloride and the solvation of sodium hydroxide in water?
The solvation of sodium chloride involves water molecules surrounding the Na+ and Cl- ions without chemical reaction. The solvation of sodium hydroxide involves not only surrounding the Na+ ions but also the dissociation of OH- ions, which can further interact with water molecules through hydrogen bonding.
55. Why is sodium hydroxide used in the production of certain types of batteries?
Sodium hydroxide is used as an electrolyte in alkaline batteries. It provides a highly conductive medium for ion transfer between the electrodes and participates in the electrochemical reactions that generate electrical energy in these batteries.

Articles

Back to top