Sodium Sulphate

Sodium sulphate - also known as sodium sulfate or soda is an inorganic compound of sodium. This sodium salt form of sulfuric acid is extensively used in a wide range of industries. More than 6.5 million tons of sodium sulfate are produced each year around the world. Most are mined from the compound's natural mineral form called mirabilite, which is taken from lake beds as part of the water treatment process. Another one-third is produced as a byproduct of other processes in the chemical industry. All forms of Sodium Sulphate are white solids, which are highly soluble in water. It is mainly used for the manufacture of detergents and in the kraft process of paper pulping.

Synonyms
Sodium Sulfate, Sulfate of sodium, Thenardite (mineral), Glauber's salt (decahydrate), Sal mirabilis (decahydrate), Mirabilite (decahydrate mineral), Disodium sulfate, Disodium Sulfate, Na2SO4, Salt Cake, Sodium Sulfate
Chemical Formula
Na2SO4
CAS Number
7757-82-6

Characteristics

Molar Weight
142.04 g/mol
Melting Point
884 °C
Boiling Point
1,429 °C
Density
2.664 g/cc
Forms
White, Granules, Crystalline

Uses and Applications

Key applications

  • Hair care
  • Ceramics
  • Glass
  • Pulp and paper
  • Textile handling
  • Detergent