[constant thinker]

I just want to double check with people more knowlegible than me.

2NaOH + CaSO₄ --> Na₂SO₄ + Ca(OH)₂

This reaction will occur right? I think it will work because Na is more reactive than Ca. I just want to double check before wasting any chemicals.

[Borek]

Outcome will be controlled by the solubilities of Ca(OH)₂ and CaSO₄.

[woelen]

The reaction will not occur. Na is more reactive than Ca, but here we do not have Na and Ca, but NaOH and CaSO4. Both metals are already in their "reacted state".

Here, the solubility of compounds determines what you get. CaSO4 is almost insoluble, Ca(OH)2 is a little more soluble, Na2SO4 and NaOH are soluble. If you bring together the solid chems, you don't get a reaction, but if you bring together the chems in combination with water, you also won't have a reaction, because CaSO4 hardly will dissolve.

[constant thinker]

Good point. I forgot to consider solubility. See there is always a reason why I double check.