Question

In the 17^th century, Johann Glauber first prepared sulfuric acid by burning sulfur with potassium nitrate with steam. A famous salt was then called to be Glauber’s salt. Which of the following is it?

(a) Potassium nitrate

(b) Potassium sulfate

(c) Sodium sulfate

(d) Potassium hydroxide

The question was posed to me in an interview.

I'm obligated to ask this question of P-Block Elements in division P-Block Elements of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct choice is (c) Sodium sulfate

To explain: Glauber salt is the famous name for the deca-hydrate sulfate salt of sodium. Its chemical formula is Na2SO4.10H2O. It is also known as mirabilite. It is widely used as laxatives in several medications and helps removing excess doses of drugs from human body, such as paracetamol.