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Specialty Chemistry Forums => Citizen Chemist => Topic started by: mpprogram6771 on March 26, 2019, 02:49:48 PM

Title: H2CO3 + NaClO?
Post by: mpprogram6771 on March 26, 2019, 02:49:48 PM

So, I'm brand new to this forum, but I've been a chemist for a while. I'm having a rough day and I just want someone to check this reaction for me. Here's the scenario:

I'm doing a research project in which I need some sodium hydroxide (NaOH), but the only sample I currently have is a drain cleaner. This would normally be fine, but the drain cleaner also contains sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). To be sure I can use the drain cleaner, I need to know if sodium hypochlorite reacts at all with carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) I know it probably doesn't, but like I said, I'm having a rough day. If they do react, then I could use a quick purification process either to extract the NaOH, Remove the NaClO, or turn it into something that doesn't react. Could anyone help me out? Thanks.

Mpprogram6771

Title: Re: H2CO3 + NaClO?
Post by: AWK on March 26, 2019, 03:12:54 PM

Why do NaClO solutions smell of chlorine? Compare acidity constants of HClO and carbonic acid.

Title: Re: H2CO3 + NaClO?
Post by: mpprogram6771 on March 27, 2019, 01:49:53 PM

Thank you so much! I don know why I didn't think of that. I really made it look more complicated than it was. Thanks

Mpprogram6771