Leblanc, Nicolas

Historically, soda ash was produced by extracting the ashes of certain plants, such as Spanish barilla, and evaporating the resultant Hquor. The first large scale, commercial synthetic plant employed the LeBlanc (Nicolas LeBlanc (1742—1806)) process (5). In this process, salt (NaCl) reacts with sulfuric acid to produce sodium sulfate and hydrochloric acid. The sodium sulfate is then roasted with limestone and coal and the resulting sodium carbonate—calcium sulfide mixture (black ash) is leached with water to extract the sodium carbonate. The LeBlanc process was last used in 1916—1917 it was expensive and caused significant pollution. 

Washing with soap makes no discretely identifiable contribution to health. Its value lies more in the feeling it engenders in the user. People derive great enjoyment from washing It gives them a tremendous sense of well-being, see also Bleaches Hair Dyes and Hair Treatments Leblanc, Nicolas. 

Leblanc, Nicolas (1742-1806) A French chemist and physician who invented a process for the manufacture of soda ash (sodium carbonate) from salt (sodium chloride). He began his studies in medicine in Paris to train as a physician. When the French Academy of Sciences offered a prize for the conversion of inexpensive salt to the more highly valued soda ash in 1775, he invented a two-step process. He was awarded the prize for the process that used sea salt and sulphuric acid as the raw materials. The process was successfully developed but was confiscated by the French revolutionary government, which refused to pay him the prize money he had rightfully earned. Napoleon, however, later returned the plant to him in 1802 although not the prize. Unformnately, Leblanc was not able to afford to run the process and he committed suicide in 1806. 

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