Abstract

Sodium sulfate, Na₂SO₄, is principally used as a filler in soaps and detergents and in the manufacturing process of kraft paper. These uses consume about 80% of the world’s production. It is also used in glassmaking, in textiles, glass, and carpet fresheners. Both sodium sulfate and sodium bisulfate, NaHSO₄, are used to adjust the pH of various solutions and to dilute certain dyes. Sodium bisulfate is a mild acid safe for household cleaning and where a mild acid is needed. About half of the sodium sulfate production is derived from naturally occurring salts and brines. The other half is produced as a by-product in the manufacture of rayon, sodium dichromate, resorcinol, and silica pigments.

Sodium hydrosulfide, sodium sulfide, and sodium tetrasulfide are somewhat interchangeable in many applications. Uses range from ore flotation to leather tanning and from pulp processing in kraft pulping to lubricant manufacture. The processes used to manufacture these compounds are described. Sulfide solubilities are discussed.