Question

Chemical formula of baking soda is_________?

Answer 1

The chemical formula of baking soda is ${\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3$. It is also known as sodium bicarbonate.

Preparation of baking soda:

The Solvay process is used for the production of sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate industrially. In this process, carbon dioxide, water, ammonia, and brine solution ( aqueous solution NaCl ) in their concentrated form are used as raw materials. This process is used mainly because it is inexpensive and fewer raw materials are used to produce necessary chemicals. The chemical reaction that is used in the production of baking soda and sodium carbonate is as follows:

$$\begin{gathered} {\mathrm{CO}}_2+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}+{\mathrm{NH}}_3+\mathrm{NaCl}\to {\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3+{\mathrm{NH}}_4\mathrm{Cl} \\ \mathrm{ammonia}\mathrm{brine}\mathrm{backing}\mathrm{ammonium}\mathrm{chloride} \\ \mathrm{solution}\mathrm{soda} \end{gathered}$$

If we heat backing soda vigorously then it will crystallize into sodium bicarbonate. The reaction is as follows:

$$\begin{gathered} 2{\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3\to {\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3+{\mathrm{CO}}_2+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O} \\ \mathrm{Sodium}\mathrm{carbonate} \end{gathered}$$
After, crystallization it obtained the 10 moles of water and recrystallize into a washing soda. The reaction is as follows:

$$\begin{gathered} {\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3+10{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\to {\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{CO}}_3.10{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O} \\ \mathrm{Washing}\mathrm{soda} \end{gathered}$$

Properties of baking soda:

• It is non-flammable.
• Powder dust is not explosive.
• It has a melting point of 50⁰C
• NaHCO₃ is a white crystalline solid which is odorless.
• 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.