Baking Soda ( Sodium Bicarbonate )- Uses & Formula

Baking Soda- Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium Bicarbonate is known as baking soda or Bicarbonate soda. Baking soda is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. This salt is formed by a sodium cation (Na+) and a bicarbonate anion (HCO3). Sodium bicarbonate is white in color and is a crystalline substance that is commonly found as a fine powder. It tastes salty and alkaline which is similar to washing soda (Sodium Carbonate). It is found dissolved in many mineral springs and is a component of the mineral natron.

Baking Soda ( Sodium Bicarbonate )- Formula

Baking soda is known as Sodium Bicarbonate with the formula NaHCO3. The first quarried natron found by Mediaeval Egyptians was Na2CO3. They generally used it as a soap. In 1971, NaHCO3 was first manufactured by a French chemist named Nicolas LeBlanc.

Several applications of chemistry are being exhibited in every part of households nowadays. It’s very common to find baking soda in kitchens, bathrooms, etc. Baking soda is used mainly as it is very versatile, useful, and cheap cost.

Baking Soda ( Sodium Bicarbonate )- Chemical Reaction

Baking soda is prepared by a process called Solvay. The Solvay process is used for the production of sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate. During this process, Carbon dioxide, water, ammonia, and brine solution in its concentrated form are used as raw materials. This process is used as it is inexpensive and fewer raw materials are used to produce the necessary chemicals.

The chemical reaction used for the production of baking soda and sodium carbonate are

CO₂ + H₂O + NH₃  + NaCl                   NaHCO3 + Nh₄Cl

2NaHCO₃                           Na₂Co₃ + CO₂ + H₂O

Baking Soda ( Sodium Bicarbonate )- Properties

There are several properties of Sodium Bicarbonate and a few of them are listed below.

1. Sodium bicarbonate is basic in nature.
2. It has a melting point of 50°C.
3. It is non-explosive in nature as it is found in powder.
4. It is non-flammable.
5. It is odorless.
6. It is found in white crystalline form.

Baking Soda ( Sodium Bicarbonate )- Uses

Baking soda is a versatile chemical and has several uses in our daily life and in industrial areas too.

1. It is used in ear drops, cosmetics, and personal care products.
2. It can be used as a pesticide.
3. It acts as an antacid that is used to treat stomach illness or indigestion.
4. It removes dirt from the materials without damaging their properties of the materials.
5. It is used as a neutralizer to neutralize the effect of acid.
6. It is also used as a fire extinguisher, for the formation of a soapy form.
7. It is used while washing as a water softener.
8. It reduces the acidity in the stomach.
9. It is used in baking industries as Carbon dioxide is generated which helps in rising the dough.
10. It is also used in mouthwash and also as a teeth-whitening agent.

Difference between Baking Soda and Baking Powder

Baking Soda ( Sodium Bicarbonate )- FAQs

1. What does Baking Soda react with?

Ans. Baking soda reacts with acidic components to give Carbon dioxide which helps in fluffing things.

2. How is baking soda prepared in laboratories?

Ans. A solution of Sodium Carbonate is saturated with carbon dioxide which produces sodium hydrogen carbonate or Baking Soda.

3. What is the pH of baking soda?

Ans. Baking soda is normally a base which is also known as sodium bicarbonate. When baking soda is dissolved in water it forms an alkaline solution. A 0.1 molar solution of baking soda will have a pH of 8.3 approximately.

4. What is the chemical formula of baking soda?

Ans. The chemical formula of baking soda is NaHCO3.

5. What is the difference between baking soda and baking powder?

Ans. Baking soda contains only sodium hydrogen carbonate whereas baking powder contains three ingredients including baking soda, cornstarch, and mono-calcium phosphate.