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Sodium Bicarbonate (Nahco3) - Uses, Formula, Properties, FAQs

Sodium Bicarbonate (Nahco3) - Uses, Formula, Properties, FAQs

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 04:56 PM IST

Q- What is sodium bicarbonate ?

NaHCO3 which indicates the nomenclature of Sodium bicarbonate ( and its IUPAC name will be sodium hydrogen carbonate) that is commonly referred as bicarbonate of soda or baking soda. Baking soda is a type of salt that comprises of a sodium cation i.e. Na+ with a bicarbonate anion HCO3. Sodium bicarbonate, whose color is white and occurs in a solid state that is crystalline, but several times it will also found in form of powder. It comprises of slightly salty taste and taste of alkaline as like washing soda that is also known as sodium carbonate. It is also a component of the mineral i.e.. natron and it is also found in dissolved form in many of the mineral springs.

This Story also Contains
  1. Q- What is sodium bicarbonate ?
  2. Q- Sodium bicarbonate uses?
  3. Neutralization of acids
  4. Q- Properties of baking soda?

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Q- Sodium bicarbonate common name?

Sodium bicarbonate is commonly refers as bicarbonate of soda or baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate which is an amphoteric compound when allows to form aqueous solutions, then their solution are mildly alkaline because of the formation of carbonic acid and hydroxide ion within the solution and the reaction is given below:

HC O3 + H2O → H2CO3 + OH

Q- What is the common name of sodium hydrogen carbonate?

Sodium bicarbonate is commonly refers as bicarbonate of soda or baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate is also used as a wash material to remove any acidic impurities that is present in the from a crude liquid and helps in producing a purified sample. Reaction of sodium bicarbonate with an acid will produces a salt and also a carbonic acid, which readily undergoes decomposes to form carbon dioxide and water:

NaHCO3 + HCl → NaCl + H2CO3

H2CO3→ H2O + CO2(g)

Sodium bicarbonate when allows to reacts with acetic acid ( also found in vinegar) will produce sodium acetate with water, and also carbon dioxide:

NaHCO3 + CH3COOH → CH3COONa + H2O + CO2 (g)

Sodium bicarbonate when allows to react with bases like sodium hydroxide then it will forms carbonates as a product:

NaHCO3 + NaOH → Na2CO3 + H2O

Q- Sodium bicarbonate uses?

Thermal decomposition

At temperatures ranging from 80–100 °C sodium bicarbonates will normally decomposes to form sodium carbonate with water and carbon dioxide. The conversion to carbon dioxide and water will be faster when the temperature attains to be at 200 °C

2 NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2

Most bicarbonates can undergo this type of dehydration reaction. Further heating will changes the carbonate to form oxide.

Na2CO3 → Na2O + CO2

These above mentioned conversions are very relevant for the use of NaHCO3 as a fire-suppression agent.

Cooking

Generally baking soda is used in cooking as a leavening agent. When it reacts with acid then carbon dioxide will be released, which will cause expansion of the batter and also forms the characteristic texture within cakes and many other baked and fried foods. The acid –base reaction of sodium hydrogen carbon can be shows as follows:

NaHCO3 + H+ → Na+ + CO2 + H2O

Baking soda can also be used with sourdough which has acidic property for making a lighter product that will includes a less acidic taste. Sodium hydrogen carbonate will also releases carbon dioxide and water when heated and the reaction will be as follows:-

2 NaHCO3 → Na2 CO3 + H2O + CO2

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Baking powder

Baking powder that is also sold for cooking purposes, contains nearly 30% of bicarbonate salt, and other acidic ingredients that are activated with the addition of water, and without the need for additional acids for activating in the cooking medium. Many different types of baking powder that contains sodium bicarbonate combined with calcium acid phosphate. Baking soda is alkaline and it gets activated when it is mixed with acid. This helps in fluffiness of the baked food by producing carbon dioxide.

Pyrotechnics

Black snake fireworks use sodium bicarbonate as the major component. In general it is caused due to the thermal decomposition of sodium hydrogen carbonate and will produce carbon dioxide gas that will produce a long snake - like ash due to the combustion product of sucrose. Sodium bicarbonate, also plays an important role to delay the process of combustion reactions by releasing CO2 and H2O when heated and both of them are flame retardants.

Mild disinfectant

Sodium hydrogen carbonate has property of weak disinfectant, and it may also be an effective fungicide again some of the organisms. Because of the reason that baking soda can absorbs musty smells, it has become a reliable method to be used by book sellers which helps in making books less malodorous.

Fire extinguisher

Sodium bicarbonate will be used to extinguish small grease or electrical fires by allowing them to be thrown over the fire, it can be used as an extinguisher because heating of sodium bicarbonate releases carbon dioxide. But, it will not be applied to control fires in deep fryers because due to the sudden release of gas grease may splatter. Sodium bicarbonate is also used as dry chemical in fire extinguishers as an alternative in respect to the more corrosive diammonium phosphate that are used in ABC extinguishers.

Due to the alkaline nature of sodium bicarbonate, it is the only one dry chemical agent with respect to Purple-K, that will be used in large - scale for fire suppression systems that are generally installed in commercial kitchens. Because of its alkaline property, the agent will shows a mild saponification effect on hot grease, which are capable to form a smothering and soapy foam.

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Neutralization of acids

Sodium bicarbonate, due to alkaline nature reacts with acids, and releases CO2 gas as a post reaction product. It is generally used to neutralize unwanted acid solutions and also used to neutralize acid spills in chemical laboratories. It is to be noted that we can not use sodium bicarbonate to neutralize base even though it shows amphoteric properties (can react with both acids as well as bases)

Medical uses and health

Sodium bicarbonate when mixed with water can be used as an antacid for the treatment of acid indigestion and heartburn. Its reaction with stomach acid are given below :-

NaHCO3 + HCl → NaCl + H2O + CO2 (g)

Q- Properties of baking soda?

Sodium bicarbonate which is an amphoteric compound when allows to form aqueous solutions, then their solution are mildly alkaline because of the formation of carbonic acid and hydroxide ion within the solution and the reaction is given below:

HC O3 + H2 O → H2CO3 + OH

Sodium bicarbonate, whose color is white and occurs in solid state that is crystalline, but several times it will also be found in form of powder. It comprises a slightly salty taste and taste of alkaline as like washing soda that is also known as sodium carbonate. It is also a component of the mineral i.e. natron and it is also found in dissolved form in many of the mineral springs. Sodium bicarbonate when allows to reacts with acetic acid ( also found in vinegar) will produce sodium acetate with water, and also carbon dioxide:

NaHCO3 + CH3COOH → CH3COONa + H2O + CO2 (g)

Sodium bicarbonate when allows to react with bases like sodium hydroxide then it will forms carbonates as a product:

NaHCO3 + NaOH → Na2CO3 + H2O

Note:

  • NaHCO3 chemical name/ NaHCO3 compound name is sodium bicarbonate

  • NaHCO3 molar mass is 84.007 g/mol

  • Sodium bicarbonate ph is 8.5

  • NaHCO3 name is sodium bicarbonate or baking soda

Also check-

NCERT Chemistry Notes:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does sodium bicarbonate act as an antacid?
Sodium bicarbonate acts as an antacid by neutralizing excess stomach acid. When it reacts with hydrochloric acid in the stomach, it forms sodium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide, effectively reducing acidity and providing relief from heartburn and indigestion.
2. How does sodium bicarbonate react with acids?
Sodium bicarbonate reacts with acids to form salt, water, and carbon dioxide. The general reaction is: NaHCO3 + H+ → Na+ + H2O + CO2. This neutralization reaction is the basis for many of its applications, including antacid properties and use in fire extinguishers.
3. Why is sodium bicarbonate used in some medications?
Sodium bicarbonate is used in some medications due to its ability to neutralize acid. It's commonly found in antacids to treat heartburn and indigestion. In more serious medical conditions, it can be used to treat severe metabolic acidosis by increasing blood pH.
4. What happens when you mix vinegar and baking soda?
When vinegar (acetic acid) and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) are mixed, they undergo an acid-base reaction. This produces sodium acetate, water, and carbon dioxide gas. The reaction is characterized by fizzing and bubbling due to the release of CO2.
5. How does sodium bicarbonate affect the pH of water?
When added to water, sodium bicarbonate increases the pH, making the solution more alkaline. It acts as a buffer, resisting changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added. This property makes it useful for pH control in various applications.
6. Why is sodium bicarbonate called baking soda?
Sodium bicarbonate is called baking soda because it's commonly used in baking as a leavening agent. When heated or mixed with acidic ingredients, it releases carbon dioxide gas, causing baked goods to rise and become fluffy.
7. What makes sodium bicarbonate an effective fire extinguisher?
Sodium bicarbonate is an effective fire extinguisher because it decomposes when heated, releasing carbon dioxide. This CO2 blankets the fire, cutting off its oxygen supply and extinguishing the flames. Additionally, the decomposition is endothermic, absorbing heat from the fire.
8. How does sodium bicarbonate contribute to the leavening process in baking?
In baking, sodium bicarbonate contributes to leavening by producing carbon dioxide gas when it reacts with acidic ingredients or heat. This gas forms bubbles in the batter or dough, causing it to rise and creating a light, airy texture in the final baked product.
9. How does sodium bicarbonate help in cleaning?
Sodium bicarbonate helps in cleaning due to its mild abrasive nature and ability to neutralize odors. It can gently scrub surfaces without scratching, and its alkaline nature helps to dissolve grease and dirt. It also absorbs and neutralizes acidic odor molecules, making it effective for deodorizing.
10. How does sodium bicarbonate differ from sodium carbonate?
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) differs from sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) in its chemical composition and properties. Sodium bicarbonate contains hydrogen and is slightly acidic, while sodium carbonate doesn't contain hydrogen and is more alkaline. They also have different uses and react differently in various applications.
11. Why is sodium bicarbonate used in swimming pools?
Sodium bicarbonate is used in swimming pools to regulate pH and alkalinity. It acts as a buffer, helping to maintain a stable pH level and preventing rapid changes that could irritate swimmers' eyes and skin or damage pool equipment.
12. Why is sodium bicarbonate used in some sports supplements?
Sodium bicarbonate is used in sports supplements as a potential ergogenic aid. It acts as a buffer against lactic acid buildup during high-intensity exercise, potentially delaying fatigue and improving performance in short, intense activities. However, its effectiveness varies among individuals and activities.
13. Why is sodium bicarbonate sometimes used in toothpaste?
Sodium bicarbonate is used in toothpaste due to its mild abrasive properties, which help remove plaque and surface stains from teeth. Its alkaline nature also helps neutralize acids in the mouth, potentially reducing tooth decay and freshening breath.
14. What is the role of sodium bicarbonate in the human body?
In the human body, sodium bicarbonate plays a crucial role in maintaining acid-base balance. It's part of the bicarbonate buffer system in blood and other bodily fluids, helping to regulate pH and prevent acidosis or alkalosis.
15. What is the role of sodium bicarbonate in the carbon cycle?
Sodium bicarbonate plays a role in the carbon cycle as part of the bicarbonate buffer system in oceans. It helps regulate the pH of seawater and acts as a significant carbon sink, absorbing and storing atmospheric CO2. This process is crucial in mitigating the effects of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide.
16. What is the chemical formula of sodium bicarbonate?
The chemical formula of sodium bicarbonate is NaHCO3. This formula represents one sodium ion (Na+) combined with one bicarbonate ion (HCO3-).
17. What is the difference between baking soda and baking powder?
Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate, while baking powder is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate, cream of tartar (an acid), and sometimes cornstarch. Baking soda requires an acid to activate and produce CO2, whereas baking powder contains its own acid and only needs moisture and heat to work.
18. How is sodium bicarbonate produced industrially?
Industrially, sodium bicarbonate is primarily produced through the Solvay process. This involves reacting sodium chloride, ammonia, and carbon dioxide in water to form sodium bicarbonate. It can also be mined from natural deposits of the mineral nahcolite.
19. How does sodium bicarbonate's structure contribute to its properties?
Sodium bicarbonate's structure, with a sodium ion (Na+) and a bicarbonate ion (HCO3-), contributes to its properties. The bicarbonate ion can act as both an acid and a base, making it amphoteric. This structure allows it to neutralize acids, act as a buffer, and decompose when heated, leading to its diverse applications.
20. How does sodium bicarbonate compare to other carbonates in the s-block?
Compared to other s-block carbonates like lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) or potassium carbonate (K2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is less alkaline due to the presence of hydrogen. It's more soluble than lithium carbonate but less soluble than potassium carbonate. Its thermal stability is also different, decomposing at lower temperatures than the others.
21. What happens when sodium bicarbonate is heated?
When heated, sodium bicarbonate undergoes thermal decomposition. The reaction is: 2NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2. This produces sodium carbonate, water vapor, and carbon dioxide gas. This property is utilized in various applications, including its use as a leavening agent in baking.
22. What is the environmental impact of sodium bicarbonate?
Sodium bicarbonate is generally considered environmentally friendly. It's non-toxic, biodegradable, and doesn't harm aquatic life when used in normal quantities. However, excessive use can alter the pH of water bodies. Its production through the Solvay process does have some environmental impacts, mainly related to energy use and byproduct generation.
23. How does sodium bicarbonate interact with proteins?
Sodium bicarbonate can interact with proteins by affecting their ionization state. In alkaline conditions created by sodium bicarbonate, proteins may become more negatively charged. This can alter their solubility, stability, and functionality, which is relevant in food science and biochemistry applications.
24. How does the solubility of sodium bicarbonate change with temperature?
The solubility of sodium bicarbonate in water increases with temperature, but not as dramatically as many other salts. At 0°C, its solubility is about 6.9 g/100 mL, increasing to about 16.4 g/100 mL at 60°C. This property is important in various industrial and practical applications.
25. How does sodium bicarbonate compare to calcium carbonate in antacid applications?
Both sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate are used as antacids, but they work differently. Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes stomach acid more quickly but can cause rapid CO2 production, leading to bloating. Calcium carbonate neutralizes acid more slowly but doesn't produce gas. Sodium bicarbonate also affects blood pH more significantly, which can be a concern in some medical conditions.
26. What is the crystal structure of sodium bicarbonate?
Sodium bicarbonate has a monoclinic crystal structure. In this arrangement, the sodium ions and bicarbonate ions are held together by ionic bonds, while the bicarbonate ions themselves are linked by hydrogen bonds. This structure contributes to its physical properties, such as its solubility and thermal behavior.
27. How does sodium bicarbonate affect the boiling point of water?
When sodium bicarbonate is dissolved in water, it slightly increases the boiling point of the solution. This is due to the colligative properties of solutions, where the presence of dissolved particles raises the boiling point. However, the effect is relatively small compared to other salts due to sodium bicarbonate's limited solubility.
28. Why is sodium bicarbonate sometimes used in agriculture?
In agriculture, sodium bicarbonate is used to treat acidic soils, adjusting soil pH to improve plant growth. It's also used as a fungicide to control powdery mildew on some plants. Additionally, it can be used in hydroponic systems to adjust nutrient solution pH and as a feed additive for cattle to prevent acidosis.
29. How does sodium bicarbonate react with bases?
Sodium bicarbonate can react with strong bases, acting as a weak acid. In this reaction, the bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) donates a proton to the hydroxide ion (OH-) from the base, forming carbonate ion (CO32-) and water. This reaction is less vigorous than its reaction with acids and is part of what makes sodium bicarbonate a buffer.
30. What is the significance of sodium bicarbonate in the history of chemistry?
Sodium bicarbonate has significant historical importance in chemistry. Its discovery and isolation in the late 18th century by Nicolas Leblanc contributed to the development of industrial chemistry. The Solvay process for its production, developed in the 19th century, was a major advancement in chemical manufacturing and remains important today.
31. How does sodium bicarbonate contribute to the "fizz" in effervescent tablets?
In effervescent tablets, sodium bicarbonate reacts with a dry acid (like citric acid) when water is added. This reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, creating the characteristic fizz. The reaction occurs rapidly due to the increased surface area of the powdered ingredients, making it an effective way to create carbonated solutions.
32. What is the role of sodium bicarbonate in the production of sherbet powder?
In sherbet powder, sodium bicarbonate is combined with a powdered acid (often citric acid). When the mixture dissolves in saliva, the acid and base react to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, creating a fizzy sensation. This reaction is similar to that in effervescent tablets but occurs more slowly due to the presence of sugar.
33. How does sodium bicarbonate affect the texture of baked goods?
Sodium bicarbonate affects the texture of baked goods by producing carbon dioxide gas, which creates air pockets in the dough or batter. This leads to a lighter, fluffier texture. It also affects the pH of the mixture, which can impact gluten development and browning reactions, further influencing texture and flavor.
34. Why is sodium bicarbonate sometimes used in dyeing and printing textiles?
In textile dyeing and printing, sodium bicarbonate is used as a pH regulator. It helps to create an alkaline environment, which is necessary for certain dyes to bond effectively with fibers. Its mild alkalinity makes it suitable for delicate fabrics that might be damaged by stronger alkalis.
35. How does the presence of sodium bicarbonate affect the freezing point of water?
The presence of dissolved sodium bicarbonate lowers the freezing point of water. This is due to the colligative properties of solutions, where the presence of solute particles interferes with the formation of ice crystals. However, the effect is relatively small due to sodium bicarbonate's limited solubility compared to other salts.
36. What is the difference between sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate in terms of their properties and uses?
While sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) are similar in many ways, they have some key differences. Potassium bicarbonate is more soluble in water and has a lower sodium content, making it preferable in low-sodium diets or applications. It's often used in fire extinguishers and some specialized baking applications, while sodium bicarbonate is more commonly used in general household and industrial applications due to its lower cost.
37. How does sodium bicarbonate interact with fats and oils?
Sodium bicarbonate can interact with fats and oils through saponification, especially at high temperatures. This reaction produces soap-like compounds, which can act as emulsifiers. In cooking, this property can help create smoother sauces and can contribute to the browning of foods. However, in some cases, this interaction can lead to undesirable flavors or textures if not properly controlled.
38. What is the role of sodium bicarbonate in the production of certain types of cheese?
In cheese production, sodium bicarbonate can be used to control acidity during the cheese-making process. It can help neutralize excess acidity, which affects the texture and flavor of the cheese. In some soft cheeses, it may be used to create a more alkaline environment, influencing the growth of specific bacteria cultures essential for cheese development.
39. How does sodium bicarbonate compare to other pH buffers used in laboratory settings?
Sodium bicarbonate is a relatively weak buffer compared to many laboratory buffers like phosphate or Tris buffers. Its useful pH range is narrow, around 8.3-10.0, making it less versatile than some other buffer systems. However, its low cost, safety, and compatibility with biological systems make it useful in certain applications, particularly where a mildly alkaline buffer is needed.
40. What is the impact of sodium bicarbonate on the nutritional value of foods?
Sodium bicarbonate itself doesn't significantly alter the nutritional value of foods in terms of vitamins or minerals. However, its use can affect the sodium content of foods, which is a nutritional consideration. In baking, it can cause some loss of B vitamins due to the alkaline conditions it creates. On the positive side, its leavening action can make some foods more digestible by creating a lighter texture.
41. How does sodium bicarbonate contribute to the shelf life of certain products?
Sodium bicarbonate can contribute to the shelf life of certain products in several ways. Its alkaline nature can inhibit the growth of some bacteria and fungi, acting as a mild preservative. In packaged foods, it can help control moisture and prevent caking. In some personal care products, it helps maintain pH stability, which is crucial for product efficacy and safety over time.
42. What is the role of sodium bicarbonate in the production of sodium carbonate (soda ash)?
Sodium bicarbonate is an intermediate in the production of sodium carbonate (soda ash) through the Solvay process. In this process, sodium bicarbonate is first produced by reacting sodium chloride, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. The sodium bicarbonate is then heated to produce sodium carbonate. This two-step process is crucial for the industrial production of soda ash, a key ingredient in glass manufacturing and other industries.
43. How does sodium bicarbonate affect the hardness of water?
Sodium bicarbonate doesn't directly soften hard water, but it can affect water hardness in certain ways. When added to hard water, it can precipitate some calcium ions as calcium carbonate, temporarily reducing water hardness. However, it also increases the total dissolved solids in the water. In water treatment, it's sometimes used to adjust pH and alkalinity, which can indirectly affect how water hardness is perceived or managed.
44. What is the significance of sodium bicarbonate in the context of ocean acidification?
Sodium bicarbonate plays a crucial role in ocean chemistry and is significant in the context of ocean acidification. It's part of the ocean's natural buffering system, helping to maintain a stable pH. As atmospheric CO2 levels increase, more CO2 dissolves in the oceans, forming carbonic acid. The bicarbonate system, including sodium bicarbonate, helps to neutralize this acid, mitigating some effects of acidification.

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