When you mix fingernail polish remover (typically containing acetone) with sodium carbonate, a chemical reaction occurs. The primary reaction that takes place is the acid-base neutralization reaction between acetone (CH₃COCH₃) and sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃).
The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is as follows:
CH₃COCH₃ + Na₂CO₃ → NaCH₃COO + H₂O + CO₂
In this reaction, acetone (CH₃COCH₃) reacts with sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) to form sodium acetate (NaCH₃COO), water (H₂O), and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Please note that this reaction may not occur instantaneously or with vigorous effervescence, as it might be the case with stronger acids. The reaction between acetone and sodium carbonate is relatively mild.