As metal carbonates are basic would there be a reaction if a sample of, say potassium carbonate, was added to carbonic acid? If so what would be the products? A balanced equation would be useful. Will this apply to other basic substances if they are added to an acid from which they already have an ion of?
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There would be hydrocarbonates, and in case of other acids, their corresponding acidic salts. – Ivan Neretin Apr 01 '16 at 14:00
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In water all carbonate will appear as the hydrocarbonate ion. The law of mass action applies as usual. – Karl Apr 01 '16 at 17:43
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$\ce{Na2CO3 + H2CO3 -> 2NaHCO3}$, yielding sodium "bicarbonate", as an example, and in similar fashion, $\ce{Na2SO4 + H2SO4 -> 2NaHSO4}$, or sodium "bisulfate". The "bi" in this nomenclature meant two different anions, and is confusing, as it is the opposite of "bi" in mercury bichloride, two of the same cations. For that reason, sodium hydrogen sulfate or sodium acid sulfate might be preferred.
DrMoishe Pippik
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1Yes, but the "traditional" name was bichloride. See many detective stories for its use (https://marymiley.wordpress.com/2009/08/15/popular-poisons-part-ii-mercury-bichloride/). – DrMoishe Pippik Apr 04 '16 at 20:29
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The "bi" in bicarbonate question was also in a previous question here http://chemistry.stackexchange.com/questions/31083 I wouldn't agree with the statement "The 'bi' in this nomenclature meant two different anions" since it is an obtuse explanation. – MaxW Apr 06 '16 at 16:16