This question concerns writing an equation of a base.

Question

Sodium carbonate is an important industrial base, even though it contains no hydroxide anion. Write an equation that demonstrates the character of sodium carbonate as a base.

Answer 1

According to the Arrhenius model, it as anything that increases the OH^- when in aqueous solution. Looking at sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), and placing this in H₂O (water), we see how this occurs:

Na₂CO₃ + H₂O ==> 2NaOH + H₂CO₃ ==> 2NaOH + CO₂ + H₂O or simply ...

Na₂CO₃ + H₂O ==> 2NaOH + CO₂ + H₂O