Solvay process is used in the manufacture of sodium carbonate, Na2CO3. This process involves following reactions. NH3+H2O+CO2→NH4HCO3 NH4HCO3+NaCl→NaHCO3+NH4Cl NH3+H2O+CO2+NaCl→NaHCO3 +NH4Cl The sodium bicarbonate obtained on heating gives sodium carbonate. NaHCO3
∆
→
Na2CO3+H2O+CO2 Note This process cannot be used in the manufacture of potassium carbonate as potassium bicarbonate is soluble in the solution of NH4Cl and KCl.