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The S-Block Elements

Question
CBSEENCH11007116

Discuss the various reactions which occur in the Solvay ammonia process.

Solution

In this process, brine (i.e. a concentrated solution of NaCl), ammonia and carbondioxide are the raw materials. The chemical reactions involved are:
NaCl space plus space NH subscript 3 space plus space CO subscript 2 space plus space straight H subscript 2 straight O space space rightwards arrow space space space NaHCO subscript 3 space downwards arrow space plus space NH subscript 4 Cl space... left parenthesis 1 right parenthesis
2 NaHCO subscript 3 space rightwards arrow with 523 space straight K on top space Na subscript 2 CO subscript 3 space plus space stack straight H subscript 2 straight O space plus space CO subscript 2 with left parenthesis used space again right parenthesis below
CO2 needed for the reaction is obtained by heating calcium carbonate and quick lime (CaO) is dissolved in water to form slaked lime Ca(OH)2.
CaCO subscript 3 space rightwards arrow with Heat on top space CaO space plus space CO subscript 2
CaO space plus space straight H subscript 2 straight O space rightwards arrow space space Ca left parenthesis OH right parenthesis subscript 2 space space space space space space... left parenthesis 2 right parenthesis
NH3 needed for the reaction is obtained by heating NH4Cl formed in eq. (1) with Ca(OH)formed in eq. (2).
2 NH subscript 4 Cl space plus space Ca left parenthesis OH right parenthesis subscript 2 space rightwards arrow space space space 2 NH subscript 3 space plus space CaCl subscript 2 space plus space 2 straight H subscript 2 straight O
The only by product of the reaction is calcium chloride (CaCl2).