Disodium Sulphate and Sodium Sulphate are often confused, but in industrial chemistry the correct and commonly traded product is Sodium Sulphate (Na₂SO₄).
1. Sodium Sulphate (Correct Chemical Name)
Chemical Formula: Na₂SO₄
Molecular Weight: 142.04 g/mol
CAS No.: 7757-82-6
Structure
2 Sodium ions (Na⁺)
1 Sulphate ion (SO₄²⁻)
Hence the formula becomes:
2Na⁺ + SO₄²⁻ = Na₂SO₄
Common Industrial Uses
✅ Detergent Manufacturing
✅ Textile Dyeing
✅ Glass Industry
✅ Kraft Paper Mills
✅ Chemical Manufacturing
✅ Thermal Storage Materials
✅ Water Treatment Applications
2. What is 'Disodium Sulphate'?
Strictly speaking, Disodium Sulphate is not a standard commercial or IUPAC chemical name.
Since Sodium Sulphate already contains two sodium atoms, some people incorrectly call it:
Disodium Sulphate
Sodium Disulphate (incorrect)
Di Sodium Sulphate
However, the internationally accepted name remains:
Sodium Sulphate (Na₂SO₄)
Common Confusion With Other Chemicals
Name Formula Actual Product
Sodium Sulphate Na₂SO₄ Industrial Sodium Sulphate
Sodium Bisulphate NaHSO₄ Acid Salt
Sodium Metabisulphite Na₂S₂O₅ Reducing Agent
Sodium Sulphide Na₂S Sulphide Chemical
Sodium Bisulphite NaHSO₃ Reducing Agent
Disodium Hydrogen Phosphate Na₂HPO₄ Phosphate Chemical
Many buyers accidentally use the term 'Disodium Sulphate' when they actually mean Sodium Sulphate (Na₂SO₄).
Industrial Procurement Perspective
When raising an RFQ, Purchase Order, or Tender, always specify:
Product Name
Sodium Sulphate
Formula
Na₂SO₄
Grade
Industrial Grade Sodium Sulphate
Technical Grade Sodium Sulphate
Anhydrous Sodium Sulphate
Purity Requirement
Example:
Na₂SO₄ ≥ 98%
Moisture ≤ 0.5%
Conclusion
Disodium Sulphate and Sodium Sulphate generally refer to the same chemical (Na₂SO₄), but 'Sodium Sulphate' is the correct industrial, commercial, and scientific name.
For procurement, export documentation, COA, SDS, GST invoices, and international trade, always use:
SODIUM SULPHATE (Na₂SO₄)
This is the terminology recognized by detergent manufacturers, textile dye houses, glass manufacturers, paper mills, and chemical industries worldwide.