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There are several methods for producing sodium hydroxide, or NaOH.

The most common way of making NaOH at least as long ago as several hundred years if not more than 1000 was by mixing sodium carbonate, lime, and water. Lime is calcium hydroxide, which is made by heating a mixture of water and crushed limestone.

The reaction of sodium carbonate and lime in water is:

Na2(CO3) + Ca(OH)2 -----> CaCO3 + 2 NaOH

The calcium carbonate formed is barely soluble in water, therefore the solution of NaOH is poured, filtered, or pumped away from the calcium carbonate precipitate and the water is allowed to evaporate away.

A solution of NaOH can be easily made by allowing sodium metal to react with water. However, DO NOT PERFORM THIS REACTION WITHOUT A PROFESSOR'S GUIDANCE! The reaction produces hydrogen gas and a lot of heat; enough to ignite the hydrogen and air mixture, which will cause an explosion.

Today, most NaOH is made using DC electricity and seawater. The anode is immersed in, or fed filtered seawater, and it is surrounded by a semipermeable membrane through which chlorine gas cannot pass and enter the solution. At the surface of the anode, chloride ions are oxidized to chlorine gas which is captured. Of course the cathode must be in electrical contact with the anode and the ionic balance must be maintained or nothing will happen. It's impossible to remove chloride anions without either replacing them with another anion or removing an equal number of cations.

When making sodium hydroxide, water is reduced at the cathode to hydrogen gas and hydroxide anions, which replace the lost chloride ions and keep the reaction going. Thus, what is left in the seawater are the sodium and hydroxide ions, plus small concentrations of other ions. Solid NaOH is made by removing the water, probably by vacuum distillation. More pure NaOH can be made by recrystallizing the initial NaOH, or ion-exchange resins may be used to remove ions other than Na+ and OH-. There may be other methods for purifying the initial NaOH.

The reason the chlorine gas must be removed is because a solution of chlorine gas in sodium hydroxide forms chlorine bleach, like Clorox®.

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How prepare 6N ammonium hydroxide?

To prepare a 6N solution of ammonium hydroxide, you would first need to calculate the molarity of the concentrated ammonium hydroxide solution you have on hand. Typically, concentrated ammonium hydroxide solutions are around 28-30% NH3 by weight. To make a 6N solution, you would dilute the concentrated solution with the appropriate amount of water to achieve a final concentration of 6N. It is crucial to handle concentrated ammonium hydroxide with care as it is a corrosive substance and can cause burns upon contact with skin or eyes.


What is the Method of preparation of 3 percent solution of sodium hydroxide?

To prepare a 3% solution of sodium hydroxide, you can dissolve 3 grams of sodium hydroxide pellets in 100 mL of distilled water. Ensure proper safety precautions are taken when handling sodium hydroxide as it is a caustic substance that can cause burns.


How do you prepare 6n ammonium hydroxide from 30 percent solution?

To prepare 6 nM ammonium hydroxide a 30 percent solution you need to know the volume of the 30 percent solution that you have and the volume of 6nM solution you would like to make. Then use the following formula: C1V1 = C2V2 where C = concentration in moles/Liter and V = volume in liters.


How can you prepare sodium hydroxide by diaphragm cell commercially?

To prepare sodium hydroxide by a diaphragm cell commercially, a brine solution (sodium chloride in water) is fed into the anode compartment. An electrical current is passed through the cell, causing chloride ions to move towards the anode and undergo oxidation to form chlorine gas. The sodium ions move through the diaphragm to the cathode compartment, where they react with water to produce sodium hydroxide.


How do you prepare 5 ppm sodium hydroxide solution?

To prepare a 5 ppm sodium hydroxide solution, you would need to dissolve a small amount of sodium hydroxide in a larger volume of water. For example, to make 1 liter of 5 ppm solution, you would add 5 mg of sodium hydroxide to the water. It's crucial to accurately measure both the sodium hydroxide and the water to ensure the final concentration is correct.

Related Questions

How do you prepare sodium chloride from dilute sodium hydroxide?

Adding hydrochloric acid.


How prepare 6N ammonium hydroxide?

To prepare a 6N solution of ammonium hydroxide, you would first need to calculate the molarity of the concentrated ammonium hydroxide solution you have on hand. Typically, concentrated ammonium hydroxide solutions are around 28-30% NH3 by weight. To make a 6N solution, you would dilute the concentrated solution with the appropriate amount of water to achieve a final concentration of 6N. It is crucial to handle concentrated ammonium hydroxide with care as it is a corrosive substance and can cause burns upon contact with skin or eyes.


How prepare sodium benzoate?

To prepare sodium benzoate, you can neutralize benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide. This reaction forms sodium benzoate and water. The resulting sodium benzoate can then be purified through crystallization for use as a preservative in food and beverages.


How do you prepare 1.0L of 0.1M of sodium hydroxide from solid sodium hydroxide pellets?

To prepare 1.0L of 0.1M sodium hydroxide solution, you need to dissolve 4 g of solid sodium hydroxide pellets in water and then dilute the solution to 1.0L. Measure 4 g of sodium hydroxide pellets on a balance, dissolve them in less than 1.0L of water, and then make up the volume to 1.0L with additional water. Be cautious as sodium hydroxide is a caustic compound – wear appropriate safety gear and handle with care.


What is 6N NAOH?

6N NaOH refers to a solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) that has a concentration of 6 normal (6N) strength. This means that the solution contains a high concentration of NaOH, which is a strong base commonly used in laboratory settings for various chemical reactions.


How to prepare 6N NaOH?

To prepare a 6N NaOH solution, you would need to dissolve 240 grams of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) pellets in enough distilled water to make 1 liter of solution. This will result in a 6N (Normal) solution of NaOH. Remember to handle NaOH with caution as it is a strong base and can cause burns.


What is the Method of preparation of 3 percent solution of sodium hydroxide?

To prepare a 3% solution of sodium hydroxide, you can dissolve 3 grams of sodium hydroxide pellets in 100 mL of distilled water. Ensure proper safety precautions are taken when handling sodium hydroxide as it is a caustic substance that can cause burns.


What is the Name for NaOH?

The chemical name is Sodium Hydroxide. It is made of Na+ ions and OH- ions.


How long is the shelf-life of self-prepared 6N sodium hydroxide solution?

A self-prepared 6N sodium hydroxide solution, if stored properly in a tightly sealed container away from light and air, can have a shelf life of approximately 1 year. It is important to regularly check for any signs of degradation, such as color changes or the presence of particles, and discard the solution if any are observed.


How do you prepare Na3BO3?

To prepare sodium borate (Na3BO3), you would typically dissolve boric acid (H3BO3) in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, followed by evaporation of water to yield the solid sodium borate. Care should be taken during the process as boric acid is a mild irritant and sodium hydroxide is caustic.


How do you make 6N ammonium hydroxide?

To make 6N ammonium hydroxide solution, you can dilute a concentrated solution of ammonium hydroxide with water. For example, if you have a 10N solution, you can dilute it by adding water to reduce the concentration to 6N. Make sure to use proper safety precautions when handling chemicals.


How do you prepare 6n ammonium hydroxide from 30 percent solution?

To prepare 6 nM ammonium hydroxide a 30 percent solution you need to know the volume of the 30 percent solution that you have and the volume of 6nM solution you would like to make. Then use the following formula: C1V1 = C2V2 where C = concentration in moles/Liter and V = volume in liters.