The difference between sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄) and Glauber’s salt (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O) lies in their chemical form, properties, and uses, though they share the same base compound.
Here’s a clear and detailed comparison:
🔹 1. Basic Difference
Property Sodium Sulphate (Anhydrous) Glauber’s Salt (Decahydrate)
Chemical Formula Na₂SO₄ Na₂SO₄·10H₂O
Water of Crystallization None (anhydrous) Contains 10 water molecules
Other Name Anhydrous sodium sulphate Sodium sulphate decahydrate
🔹 2. Appearance
Aspect Sodium Sulphate Glauber’s Salt
Form White, powdery or crystalline solid Colorless, transparent crystals
Texture Dry and free-flowing Moist due to crystal water
Hygroscopicity Slightly hygroscopic Loses water on exposure to air or heat
🔹 3. Physical Properties
Property Anhydrous Na₂SO₄ Na₂SO₄·10H₂O (Glauber’s Salt)
Molar Mass 142.04 g/mol 322.20 g/mol
Density 2.68 g/cm³ 1.464 g/cm³
Melting Point 884°C ~32.4°C (loses water)
Solubility in Water Moderate Higher than anhydrous at low temperatures
Stability Stable at high temperatures Unstable above 32.4°C (dehydrates)
🔹 4. Chemical Behavior
Aspect Sodium Sulphate Glauber’s Salt
Thermal Behavior Stable up to high temps Melts and releases water at ~32°C
Use in Reactions Drying agent, stable salt Source of Na⁺ and SO₄²⁻ ions in wet processes
🔹 5. Uses & Applications
Area Anhydrous Sodium Sulphate Glauber’s Salt
Detergents Used as a filler in powder detergents Rarely used
Glass & Paper Industry Used as raw material Not used directly
Drying Agent Common in labs to remove water from organic solvents Not suitable due to water content
Medicine (Traditional) Not used Used as a laxative (purgative) in traditional medicine
Thermal Storage Not used Used as a phase change material due to heat of fusion
Dyeing/Textiles Both are used, Glauber’s salt preferred in some wet dye processes
🔹 6. Environmental & Safety
Aspect Sodium Sulphate Glauber’s Salt
Toxicity Low Low
Handling Easy to handle and store Must be stored in airtight containers to prevent dehydration
Stability in Air Very stable Gradually loses water on exposure to air (efflorescent)
SODIUM SULPHATE AT LAXMI ENTERPRISE VADODARA GUJARAT
