Preparation of Sodium Bicarbonate and Sodium Carbonate.?

Question

Why is a sodium carbonate solution more alkaline than a sodium bicarbonate solution?

Answer 1

Sodium carbonate = Na2CO3
Sodium bicarbonate = NaHCO3

Carbonate and bicarbonate ions are alkaline because they can accept protons/hydronium ions from solution in the following manner:

CO3(-2) + H+ ===> HCO3-
HCO3- + H+ ===> H2CO3

The carbonate ion is more alkaline because it can take two protons/hydronium ions from solution to make carbonic acid -- taking twice aas many protons means it leaves behind twice as much hydroxide ion, thus it is twice as alkaline. QED.

Answer 2

if u see the formulae of sodium bicarbonate, u can see the letter H, which means it is acidic in nature. that iz why sodium carbonate is more alkaline than a sodium bicarbonate solution.