Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is an inorganic compound with the molecular formula NaHCO3. It is a salt composed of sodium cation Na+ and bicarbonate anion HCO3-. Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that appears crystalline but is usually in the form of a fine powder. The chemical for sale on the market is usually sodium bicarbonate powder. It is odorless, salty and soluble in water. It will decompose slowly in moist air or hot air, producing carbon dioxide, and decompose completely when heated to 270°C. In case of acid, it will be strongly decomposed to produce carbon dioxide.
Sodium bicarbonate is an acid salt formed by neutralizing a strong base and a weak acid. It is weakly alkaline when dissolved in water. This property makes it often used as a leavening agent in food preparation. Sodium bicarbonate will leave sodium carbonate after the action, and if used too much, the finished product will have an alkaline taste.
It contains two ions of sodium hydroxide(NaOH) and sodium bicarbonate(HCO3-). Crystalline sodium bicarbonate is formed by dissolving pure sodium hydroxide in water under high temperature and pressure.
Sodium bicarbonate has many properties, including its catalytic effect in solution, antibacterial and corrosive properties. Its catalytic effect means that it can promote the reaction in solution without being affected bu itself, which makes it an important auxiliary material in the chemical industry. In addition, it is corrosive and can damage certain materials, such as steel and masonry.
What Is Sodium Bicarbonate Used For?
Sodium Bicarbonate has many uses. It is commonly used in the raw material manufacturing industry for the production of various chemical products and materials. It can also be used as a food additive to improve the taste and texture of foods. In addition, it is also used as a drug excipient in medicine to treat viral infections, etc.
- Sodium bicarbonate is used as a leavening agent in the food industry, a generator of carbon dioxide in soft drinks and cold drinks, and a preservative for butter.
- It can be directly used as a raw material in the pharmaceutical industry for the treatment of hyperacidity.
- The chemical can also be used in film production, eather tanning, mineral processing, smelting, metal heat treatment, as well as in fiber and rubber industries.
- In addition, it is used as a detergent for wool, a foam fire extinguishing agent, and for soaking seeds in agriculture.
Is Sodium Bicarbonate Safe
- Environmental hazard. Sodium bicarbonate is generally not hazardous to water. However, don’t release material into the surrounding environment without government permits.
- Leakage treatment. Isolate the leaked contaminated area and restrict access. It is recommended that emergency personnel wear dust masks and general work clothes. Avoid raising dust, sweep it up carefully, put it in a bag and transfer it to a safe place. If a large amount of leakage occurs, cover it with plastic sheeting or canvas. Collect and recycle or transport to waste disposal site for disposal.
- Transport precautions. Sodium bicarbonate is not a dangerous product, but it should be protected from moisture. Store in a dry and ventilated warehouse. Do not store and transport with acids. Food grade baking soda shouldn’t be stored and transported together with toxic substances to prevent pollution.