The Solvay process is important in the commercial production of sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), which is used in the manufacture of most glass. The last step in the Solvay process is the conversion of NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda) to Na₂CO₃ by heating:

In a laboratory experiment, a student heats 42.0 g of NaHCO₃ and determines that 22.3 g of Na₂CO₃ is formed. What is the percentage yield of this reaction?

Strategy We know the actual yield from the experiment. To calculate the percentage yield, first we need to find the theoretical yield. We can do that by calculating the maximum quantity of product that could form, based on the stoichiometry of the reaction. Once we have both the theoretical yield and the actual yield, finding the percentage yield is straightforward.

Transcribed Image Text:

2 NaHCO3(s) A Na₂CO3(s) + CO₂(g) + H₂O(g)