Question

Why is sodium hydrogen carbonate an essential ingredient in antacids?

Answer 1

Sodium hydrogen carbonate$\left({\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3\right)$ is an essential ingredient in antacids as it is alkaline in nature which neutralizes the effect when reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl) which is released in the stomach and further reduces the production of acids.

Chemical reaction:

${\mathrm{NaHCO}}_3\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+\mathrm{HCl}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to \mathrm{NaCl}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)+{\mathrm{CO}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)$

Therefore, sodium hydrogen carbonate is an essential ingredient in antacids.