* Polarity: Sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) is an ionic compound, meaning it dissolves in polar solvents like water. Benzene (C₆H₆) is a nonpolar solvent.
* "Like Dissolves Like": The rule of thumb in chemistry is that "like dissolves like." Polar substances dissolve in polar solvents, and nonpolar substances dissolve in nonpolar solvents.
Since Na₂SO₄ is polar and benzene is nonpolar, they are not compatible for forming a solution.