Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda, is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3 and the IUPAC designation sodium hydrogencarbonate. A sodium cation (Na+) and a bicarbonate anion (HCO3) combine to form this salt. Sodium bicarbonate is a white, crystalline substance that is commonly found as a fine powder. It tastes slightly salty and alkaline, like washing soda (sodium carbonate). Nahcolite is a type of natural mineral. It is found dissolved in many mineral springs and is a component of the mineral natron.
Table of Contents
- What is Baking Soda?
- Preparation of Baking Soda
- Properties of Sodium Bicarbonate
- Uses of Baking Soda
- Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is Baking Soda?
Baking soda is the common name of sodium bicarbonate. The chemical formula of baking soda is NaHCO3.
Baking Soda is also defined as Sodium Bicarbonate. The Medieval Egyptians first quarried Natron, a natural deposit which mainly consists of Na2CO3. They used it as soap. In the year 1971, NaHCO3 was first manufactured by a French chemist named Nicolas Leblanc. It was in the year 1846, John Dwight and Austin Church started a manufacturing unit to produce baking soda using sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide.
We can see various applications of chemistry that are being exhibited in every part of a household like in the bathroom, kitchen, etc. One such compound is Sodium bicarbonate, which is used mainly because of its versatility, usefulness and its cheap price.
Baking Soda
Preparation of Baking Soda
Solvay process is used for the production of sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate industrially. In this process carbon dioxide, water, ammonia and brine solution in its concentrated form, are used as raw materials. This process is used mainly because it is inexpensive and less raw materials are used to produce necessary chemicals. The important chemical reaction that is used in the production of baking soda and sodium carbonate is:
CO2 + H2O + NH3 + NaCl → NaHCO3 + NH4Cl
2 NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O
Carbon dioxide produced is recycled to produce NaHCO3
Properties of Sodium Bicarbonate
- It is non-flammable.
- Powder dust is not explosive.
- It has a melting point of 500C
- NaHCO3 is a white crystalline solid which is odourless.
- It is basic in nature.
Uses of Baking Soda
- Reduces the acidity in the stomach
- Acts as an antacid which is used to treat stomach upset and indigestion
- Used in the process of washing as a water softener
- Due to the formation of soapy foam, it is used in fire extinguishers
- Removes the dirt off materials without damaging the properties of the material
- Acts as a pesticide
- Used in baking industries as carbon dioxide is generated (due to the decomposition of NaHCO3) which helps in the raising of the dough
- It is used in ear drops, cosmetics and personal care products
- It is used as a neutralizer to neutralize the effect of acid
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What does baking soda react with?
Baking soda combines with acidic components in a recipe, such as chocolate, sour cream, or honey, to produce carbon dioxide gas, which helps fluff things up. Baking powder contains baking soda and cream of tartar, an acid that reacts when wet.
What acid does baking soda need to activate?
Sodium bicarbonate is the main constituent in baking soda. When an acid, such as buttermilk, yoghurt, brown sugar, or vinegar, comes into contact with sodium bicarbonate, it becomes an alkaline base (usually the acid is part of your recipe).
What is the pH of baking soda?
Baking soda is a base, often known as sodium bicarbonate. This implies that when baking soda is dissolved in water, it forms an alkaline solution. A 0.1 molar solution of baking soda, for example, has a pH of around 8.3.
How is baking soda prepared in laboratory?
Saturating a solution of sodium carbonate with carbon dioxide produces sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda). The white crystalline powder of sodium hydrogen carbonate being less soluble, does get separated out.
Is baking soda natural or synthetic?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a crystalline chemical component that is commonly encountered as a powder. Although baking soda is found naturally, it is frequently mined and manufactured through a chemical process.
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(II) A white chemical compound becomes hard on mixing proper quantity of water. It is also
used in surgery to maintain joints in a fixed position. name the chemical compound.
The chemical compound used in surgery to maintain joints in a fixed position is Plaster of Paris. Click here to learn more about Plaster of Paris.