THE REACTIVITY OF DIFFERENT ACTIVE FORMS OF SODIUM-CARBONATE WITH RESPECT TO SULFUR-DIOXIDE

The kinetics of the reaction of solid sodium carbonate with sulfur dioxide depends on the microstructure of the solid, which in tum is affected by the way and conditions of its preparation. The active form, analogous to that obtained by thermal decomposition of NaHCO3, emerges from the dehydration of Na2CO3 . 10 H2O in a vacuum or its weathering in air at room temperature. The two active forms are porous and have approximately the same specific surface area. Partial hydration of the active Na2CO3 in air at room temperature followed by thermal dehydration does not bring about a significant decrease in reactivity. On the other hand, if the preparation of anhydrous Na2CO3 involves, partly or completely, the liquid phase, the reactivity of the product is substantially lower.