Use of neutralisation in everyday life and industrial processes

Baking soda (example)

NaHCO₃ (s) + C₃H₆O₃ (aq) → NaC₃H₆O₃ (aq) +  CO₂ (g) + H₂O(l)

Baking soda (explanation)

Used in baking as it reacts with acids in the dough (lactic acid (C₃H₆O₃) in buttermilk) to produce CO₂, helping the dough rise and give the light texture

• is a base

Antacid tablets (example)

Mg(OH)₂ (s) + 2HCl(aq) —>2H2O(l) + MgCl2(aq)

CaCO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) —> CaCl2(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)

Antacid tablets (explanation)

• stomach produces HCl to aid with the digestion of foods and to kill harmful microorganism

• If too much HCl is produced you may end up with heartburn or indigestion

• Antacid tablets is a base

• Neutralises the excess stomach acid (HCl) to mimimise irritation during acid reflux (a condition where the stomach acid reaches the lower oesophagus causing burning pain)

Mg(OH)₂ / CaCO₃

Spill management (example)

NaHCO₃ (s)

eg. 2NaHCO₃ (s) + H2SO4(aq) —> Na2SO4(aq) + 2CO2(g)

Spill management

• is used to neutralise any acidic/basic spills preventing harm to both human personnel and the environment

• Mixture then can be collected with paper towel

• Benefits: 

  • Low price and accessibility 

  • Stability as a solid → increaseing the ease and safety of storage; as well as preventing the spread of the area during use

  • Weak nature, minimising heat generated and the damage done if applied in too much excess

  • Amphiprotic nature, allowing both acidic and basic spills to be neutralised (hense eliminating the need to determin acidity of spill before treating)

  • Effervesence during neutralisation, allowing progress of reaction to be monitored 

Water Treatment (example)

sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃ (s)) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH(aq))

H₃O+ (aq) + NaOH (aq) → Na+ (aq) + 2H₂O(l) 

Water Treatment (explanation)

• Is added at water treatment plants to decrease water acidity if it’s too high

• Salts of sodium are used to prevent an increase in water’s hardness ([Ca2+]/[Mg2+]) or the conc of any other undersired cations