Efflorescence in chemistry refers to the migration of a salt to the surface of a porous material, where it forms a white crystalline deposit. This occurs when the salt is more soluble in the water vapor present in the atmosphere than in the pore water of the material.
Examples of efflorescence in chemistry include:
1. Calcium sulfate (gypsum) forming on the surface of concrete or bricks when water containing the salt evaporates.
2. Sodium carbonate (washing soda) forming on the surface of glassware that has been in contact with a cleaning solution containing the salt.
3. Potassium nitrate forming on the surface of walls in historical buildings due to the presence of the salt in the building materials or as a result of decay of organic matter.
Efflorescence and examples in chemistry
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