What is the Difference Between Sodium Aluminate and Sodium Meta Aluminate?

The key difference between sodium aluminate and sodium meta aluminate lies in their structures and properties. Both compounds have the chemical formula NaAlO2 and contain sodium and aluminum. However, sodium aluminate is an oxide, while sodium meta aluminate is a hydroxide compound.

• Sodium Aluminate: This is an inorganic compound with sodium cations combined with aluminum oxide anions. It is also known as sodium ortho aluminate.
• Sodium Meta Aluminate: This is a derivative of sodium aluminate and is a hydroxide compound. The term "meta" refers to the least hydrated form of sodium aluminate. Sodium meta aluminate forms when two water molecules are associated with the sodium aluminate chemical compound, making it a dihydrated form.

In summary, sodium aluminate is an inorganic oxide compound, while sodium meta aluminate is a hydroxide compound derived from sodium aluminate. The difference between the two lies in their structures and the number of hydrogen atoms present in relation to the central atom (aluminum).

Comparative Table: Sodium Aluminate vs Sodium Meta Aluminate

The main difference between sodium aluminate and sodium meta aluminate lies in their chemical formulas and structures. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:

Sodium aluminate is an inorganic chemical compound with the chemical formula NaAlO2, while sodium meta aluminate is a hydrated form of sodium aluminate with the chemical formula NaAl(OH)4. Both compounds are used in industrial and laboratory applications, but sodium meta aluminate is a derivative of sodium aluminate.