Separating salt and sodium carbonate help

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To determine the amount of sodium carbonate in a mixture with salt, one suggested using hydrochloric acid to react with sodium carbonate, producing sodium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide. The discussion highlighted that sodium carbonate is slightly basic in water, contrary to the initial assumption of it being acidic. Titration with a strong acid was recommended as a viable method for quantifying sodium carbonate. The participants acknowledged the properties of sodium carbonate, noting it is commonly known as washing soda. The conversation emphasized the importance of understanding the chemical behavior of the substances involved for accurate analysis.
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Homework Statement


Given a mixture of salt and sodium carbonate, how could you determine the amount of sodium carbonate in the mixture?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Salt and sodium carbonate are both soluble, so I would I use HCl to react with the Na2CO3 leaving the NaCl H20 and CO2? And then boil the salt water?
 
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Not a chemist, but sodium carbonate must be acidic in water - could you just do a titration ?
 
mgb_phys said:
Not a chemist, but sodium carbonate must be acidic in water - could you just do a titration ?

Quite the opposite, it will be slightly basic :smile:

But titration (with a strong acid) is still a good idea.
 
Doh - Sodium Carbonate is washing soda, must be alkali!
 
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