Parameter | Value | Notes |
Chemical Formula | Na₂SO₄ | Anhydrous (Decahydrate: Na₂SO₄·10H₂O) |
Molecular Weight | 142.04 g/mol (anhydrous) | Decahydrate: 322.20 g/mol |
Appearance | White crystals/powder | Decahydrate forms transparent crystals |
Density | 2.68 g/cm³ (anhydrous, 25°C) | Decahydrate: 1.46 g/cm³ |
Melting Point | 884°C (anhydrous) | Decahydrate dehydrates at 32.4°C |
Solubility (Water, 20°C) | 19.5 g/100 mL (anhydrous) | Increases significantly with temperature |
pH (1% Solution) | ~7 (neutral) | Aqueous solution is neutral |
CAS Number | 7757-82-6 (anhydrous) | 7727-73-3 (decahydrate) |
Hazards | Low toxicity, dust irritates eyes/respiratory system | Dust protection recommended |
Applications | Paper, glass, detergents, textile dyeing | Decahydrate used as laxative |
Sodium sulfate serves as a key filler in powdered detergents and soaps.
Na₂SO₄ acts as a fluxing agent in glass manufacturing to eliminate air bubbles.
Sodium sulfate functions as a leveling agent in textile dyeing and printing.
Na₂SO₄ supports chemical recovery in kraft paper pulping processes.
Sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O) works as an osmotic laxative in pharmaceuticals.