Baking Soda - Preparation, Uses, Structure, Properties, FAQs

What is the chemical name of baking soda?

The chemical compound sodium bicarbonate formula, sometimes known as baking soda formula or bicarbonate of baking soda chemical formula, has the formula NaHCO₃. A sodium cation (Na⁺) and a bicarbonate anion (HCO₃^-) make up this salt. Sodium bicarbonate is a crystalline white substance that frequently appears as a fine powder. It tastes slightly salty and alkaline, similar to washing soda (sodium carbonate).The chemical name of baking soda is sodium hydrogen carbonate.

Nahcolite is the natural mineral form. It is found dissolved in many mineral springs as a component of the mineral natron. Sodium Bicarbonate common name is baking soda or the chemical name of baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. Because of its long history and widespread use, baking soda, bread soda, cooking soda, and bicarbonate of soda are all common names for the salt, which can often be purchased beside baking powder in supermarkets.

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Preparation of Baking Soda

The Solvay process is used to make sodium bicarbonate as well as sodium carbonate. Carbon dioxide, water, ammonia, as well as concentrated brine solution are employed as raw materials in this process. The important chemical reaction used in the production of baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate) and sodium carbonate is:

CO₂ + H₂O + NH₃ + NaCl → NaHCO₃ + NH₄Cl

2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O

The carbon dioxide produced is recycled to make NaHCO₃.

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Properties of Baking Soda

• It is non-combustible.

• Powder dust is not as explosive as other types of dust.

• It has a melting point of 500°C and is an odourless white crystalline solid.

• It is basic in nature.

NaHCO₃ + H₂O → H₂CO₃ +NaOH

H₂CO₃ → H₂O + CO₂

The pH of baking soda is 8.3.

• Baking soda is sparingly soluble in water.

• NaHCO₃ crystallizes in a monoclinic crystal lattice.

• When sodium bicarbonate is heated, it decomposes into sodium carbonate, water, and carbon dioxide gas. At temperatures exceeding 80°C, thermal decomposition occurs.

2 NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O

• Baking soda produces carbon dioxide gas when it combines with acids. The following is the chemical reaction that occurs:

NaHCO₃ + H⁺ → Na⁺ + H₂O + CO₂

Baking soda is mined as well as manufactured in factories. In its mineral form, it is called nahcolite.

Na₂CO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O → 2 NaHCO₃

Structure of Baking Soda

• The chemical formula for sodium bicarbonate is NaHCO₃.

• It is made up of the sodium cation (Na⁺) and the bicarbonate anion (HCO₃^-).

• Its lattice structure is monoclinic.

• One sodium atom, one carbon atom, one hydrogen atom, and three oxygen atoms make up this compound.

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Baking soda uses:

• Baking soda has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent natural solution to a variety of aesthetic problems. It is mildly abrasive, so it will exfoliate the face, feet, hands, and body softly.

• Baking soda is used as an antacid to treat indigestion and heartburn. Its fast action reduces stomach acid, providing temporary relief. Its alkaline composition helps to reduce indigestion by neutralising excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

• It is a household wonder chemical that is generally used as a cleaning agent, a cooking component, and a disinfectant.

• It is used to raise flour batter. Baking soda is used to make baking powder, which is made by mixing baking soda with a moderate acid like tartaric acid. In creating bread, cakes, cookies, pancakes, patties, and other baked goods, baking powder is used as a leavening agent (a chemical that releases a gas and causes dough to rise and expand).

• Baking soda can be used as a natural pesticide in the garden to kill dangerous insects and fungi that attack plants. It can be mixed into soil to raise the pH level and make the soil alkaline. Alkaline soils are preferred by several plants.

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