Sodium sulfate, commonly known as sulfate of soda, is one of the most used chemicals worldwide. It is an inorganic compound with the formula Na2SO4. As a white crystalline solid, it’s notable for its use in various industries ranging from detergents to paper manufacturing.

Properties of Sodium Sulphate

Molecular formula : Na2SO4

Appearance : White crystalline solid

Odour : Odourless

Boiling point : 1429 °C(anhydrous)

Flashpoint : 800  °C

Melting point : 884  °C(anhydrous), 32.4 0C (decahydrate)

Density : 2.68g/cm³

Solubility : Soluble in water, glycerol and hydrogen iodide and insoluble in ethanol

Uses of Sodium Sulfate

Detergent Manufacturing: In the detergent industry, it is used as a filler or diluting agent.

Paper Industry: It’s a crucial component in the kraft process of paper pulping, aiding in the removal of lignin.

Textile Industry: In textile dyeing, it serves as a leveling agent, helping to distribute dyes more evenly.

Sodium sulfate is used to dry organic liquids.

As a filler in powdered home laundry detergents.

As a fining agent which removes small air bubbles from molten glass.

Glauber’s salt, the decahydrate, was used as a laxative which removes certain drugs such as acetaminophen from the body.

For defrosting windows, in carpet fresheners, starch manufactured, as an additive to cattle feed.

In the manufacture of detergents and in the Kraft process of paper pulping.