Question

Convert

(1) NaHCO₃

(2) Na₂CO₃ to unstable carbonic acid by action with dil. H₂SO₄ . State the reason why ammonia is evolved when an ammonium salt and alkali are heated. 

Answer 1

1. 2NaHCO₃ + H₂SO₄ (dil.) → Na₂SO₄ + 2H₂CO3

2. Na₂CO₃ + H₂SO₄ (dil.) → Na₂SO₄ + H₂CO₃ 

Ammonia is evolved when an ammonium salt and alkali are heated.

This is because a non-volatile base, Ca(OH)₂ displace a volatile base, NH₄OH which decomposes to given NH₃ and H₂O.