The molar mass of Glauber's salt is 322.2 grams per mole. This crucial chemical compound, also known as sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O), is widely recognized for its unique properties and diverse applications across various industries.
Understanding Glauber's Salt (Sodium Sulfate Decahydrate)
Glauber's salt is the common name for sodium sulfate decahydrate, a hydrated salt of sodium sulfate. It is a white, crystalline solid that derives its name from the German-Dutch chemist Johann Rudolf Glauber, who discovered it in the 17th century. This compound is notable for its ability to crystallize in a monoclinic crystal system, which influences its physical properties and industrial handling.
What is Molar Mass?
Molar mass is a fundamental concept in chemistry, representing the mass of one mole of a substance. A mole is a unit of measurement used to express amounts of a chemical substance, approximately 6.022 × 10²³ particles (Avogadro's number). For compounds like Glauber's salt, the molar mass is calculated by summing the atomic masses of all atoms present in its chemical formula (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O).
Key Properties of Glauber's Salt
Understanding the properties of Glauber's salt helps in appreciating its applications.
| Property | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Na₂SO₄·10H₂O |
| Common Name | Glauber's Salt |
| Molar Mass | 322.2 g/mol |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water |
| Density | Approximately 1.464 g/cm³ (at 20°C) |
| Melting Point | 32.38 °C (decomposes upon further heating, losing water) |
Applications and Uses of Glauber's Salt
Glauber's salt plays a significant role in various sectors due to its chemical stability and solubility.
- Industrial Applications:
- Detergents: It serves as a filler in powdered laundry detergents.
- Paper Industry: Used in the Kraft process for manufacturing wood pulp.
- Glass Manufacturing: Acts as a fining agent, removing small air bubbles from molten glass.
- Textile Dyeing: Helps achieve even dyeing in textile processes.
- Medical and Pharmaceutical Uses:
- Historically, it has been used as a laxative due to its osmotic properties, drawing water into the intestines.
- Thermal Energy Storage:
- Its ability to undergo a phase transition at a relatively low temperature (32.38 °C) makes it suitable for storing thermal energy, especially in passive solar heating systems. As it melts, it absorbs heat, and as it crystallizes, it releases heat.
- Chemical Production:
- A precursor in the production of other sodium compounds, such as sodium sulfide and sodium thiosulfate.
Glauber's salt remains an important compound, with its exact molar mass of 322.2 grams per mole being a critical parameter for its accurate use in chemical calculations and industrial processes.
