What Is Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate?

••• RHJ/iStock/GettyImages

Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) or sodium bicarbonate, is a crystalline chemical compound commonly known as baking soda that can be produced industrially. The compound is also used to produce sodium carbonate. Both have a variety of uses.

The Solvay Process

The Solvay Process is a method by which ammonia, carbon dioxide, water and brine solution is used to create sodium hydrogen carbonate. The procedure is inexpensive because it produces leftover ammonia and carbon dioxide, which can be re-used in the process.

Uses

Sodium hydrogen carbonate finds use in fire extinguishers, toothpaste and medicine as an antacid to treat indigestion and heartburn. It can also absorb odors, which finds use when people leave open boxes of baking soda in their refrigerators.

In Baking

Baking powder is composed of sodium hydrogen carbonate as well as weak acids and starch to prevent caking. Sodium hydrogen carbonate reacts with the weak acid, releasing the carbon dioxide that makes batter and dough rise.

Sodium Carbonate

Sodium hydrogen carbonate is also used to create sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). Heating the sodium hydrogen carbonate will produce the sodium carbonate as well as carbon dioxide, which can be further recycled in the Solvay Process.

Uses of Sodium Carbonate

Sodium carbonate is a strong base finds use in laundry detergent to prevent the ions in hard water from staining clothing. Sodium carbonate can also be found in soap, paper and glass.

Related Articles

How to Make Aluminum Powder
Sodium Carbonate Vs. Sodium Bicarbonate
How to Make Magnesium Chloride
What Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
List of Household Bases & Acids
What Is Disodium Diphosphate?
Difference Between Sodium Chlorite & Sodium Chloride
Facts About Calcium Chloride
How to Regenerate Activated Charcoal
How to Remove Bee Propolis Stains
What is Sodium Benzoate?
How to Make Bromine & Chlorine Water
How to Make Calcium Carbide
How to Use Propylene Glycol
How to Make Sodium Nitrate
What Is Lime Used for in Water Treatment?
How to Make Homemade Glow Sticks
The Common Uses for Tartaric Acid
How to Reactivate a Desiccant
How to Use Sodium Perborate

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!