Catalogue

Carbonates

solvents

Carbonates are salts or esters of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) that contain the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻). The carbonate ion consists of one carbon atom bonded to three oxygen atoms, and it plays a key role in a wide variety of chemical reactions and natural processes. Carbonates are commonly found in minerals, biological systems, and are used in many industrial applications.

Key Types of Carbonates

  • Metal Carbonates (Inorganic Carbonates): These are the most common types of carbonates and consist of a metal ion bonded to the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻).
  • Alkaline Earth Carbonates: Carbonates of alkaline earth metals (Group 2 of the periodic table) such as calcium, magnesium, and barium are common in nature and industry.
  • Transition Metal Carbonates: Transition metals can also form carbonates, though they are generally less common than those of alkali and alkaline earth metals.
  • Ammonium Carbonate: This is a salt of ammonium and carbonic acid, commonly used as a baking powder or leavening agent.

Industrial Applications of Carbonates

  • Glass Production: Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) and potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) are used in the manufacture of glass, where they lower the melting point of silica (SiO₂) to make it easier to form glass.
  • Water Treatment : Sodium carbonate is used to soften water by precipitating calcium ions and magnesium ions as their carbonates.
  • Construction Materials : Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is a key ingredient in the production of lime (CaO), which is used in cement, mortar, and concrete. Limestone, which is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, is also directly used as a building material in construction.
  • Agriculture : Dolomitic lime (a mixture of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate) is used to correct soil acidity in farming, increasing soil pH and providing essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
  • Pharmaceuticals : Sodium bicarbonate is also used as an antacid to treat indigestion and heartburn. It reacts with stomach acid (HCl) to neutralize excess acid.
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