Solvay process is used for the manufacture of

Options

A. Sodium metal
B. Washing soda
C. Bleaching powder
D. Quick lime

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Solvay Process**: The Solvay process is a method for producing sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), commonly known as washing soda. It involves several chemical reactions that utilize sodium chloride (brine), ammonia, and carbon dioxide.

2. **Initial Reaction**: The process begins by passing carbon dioxide (CO2) through a saturated brine solution (which contains sodium chloride, NaCl) that is also saturated with ammonia (NH3).

3. **Formation of Ammonium Carbonate**: The first reaction can be represented as:
\[ NH_3 + H_2O + CO_2 \rightarrow (NH_4)_2CO_3 \]
This reaction produces ammonium carbonate.

4. **Formation of Ammonium Bicarbonate**: The ammonium carbonate then reacts with more water and carbon dioxide to form ammonium bicarbonate:
\[ (NH_4)_2CO_3 + H_2O + CO_2 \rightarrow 2NH_4HCO_3 \]

5. **Reaction with Brine**: The ammonium bicarbonate reacts with sodium chloride (brine) to produce sodium bicarbonate and ammonium chloride:
\[ NH_4HCO_3 + NaCl \rightarrow NaHCO_3 + NH_4Cl \]
Here, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is the main product.

6. **Precipitation and Heating**: The sodium bicarbonate precipitates out of the solution. It is then filtered, dried, and heated (ignited) to produce sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide, and water:
\[ 2NaHCO_3 \rightarrow Na_2CO_3 + CO_2 + H_2O \]

7. **Conclusion**: The main product of the Solvay process is sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), which is also known as washing soda. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is "washing soda".

**Final Answer**: The Solvay process is used for the manufacture of washing soda (sodium carbonate, Na2CO3).

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