NaOH + CO2 -> NaCO2 + H2OThe above equation is incorrect, because:
- There are two hydrogens on the right side and only one at the left side.
- "NaCO2" is a non-existant compound.
However, the following equations are correct descriptions of reality:
NaOH + CO2 -> NaHCO3
NaOH + NaHCO3 -> Na2CO3 + H2OHence, the sum of those two equations gives this:
2 NaOH + CO2 -> Na2CO3 + H2O