Properties : Sodium metasilicate is a poisonous , corrosive and a crystalline salt. It is a very strong base and so reacts violently with acids . It forms highly alkaline solution when dissolved in water . In moist air it corrodes with metal like zinc , aluminium ,tin and lead to form hydrogen gas . It is formed by the fusion of sodium carbonate and silicon dioxide at high temperature .The pH of 1% of its aqueous solution is about 13 .
Formula : Na2SiO3.
Synnonyms : Disodium metasilicate, Disodium monosilicate, Orthosil , Silic acid
Uses : The major use of Sodium metasilicate is as a builder in soaps and detergents. It act as a substitute for phosphates . It also finds its application as a metal cleaner , in permutite ,cotton cooking , and paper bleaching . A small part of this compound is used in chemical degreaser ,where it react with fatty acids to form soap ,which is then washed away.
