Article: Sodium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate
General
Systematic name	Sodium hydrogen carbonate
Other names	Sodium bicarbonate bicarbonate of soda
Molecular formula	NaHCO3
Molar mass	84.007 g/mol
Appearance	White crystalline solid.
CAS number	[144-55-8][1]
Properties
Density and phase	2.20 g/cm3, solid.
Solubility in water	10 g/100 ml (25°C)
Melting point	50°C (323.15 K)
Boiling point	Decomposes.
Basicity (pKb)	?
Structure
Molecular shape	?
Coordination geometry	?
Crystal structure	?
Dipole moment	? D
Hazards
MSDS	External MSDS
Main hazards	Irritant.
NFPA 704	0 1 0
Flash point	Non-flammable.
R/S statement	R: ? S: ?
RTECS number	VZ0950000
Supplementary data page
Structure and properties	n, εr, etc.
Thermodynamic data	Phase behaviour Solid, liquid, gas
Spectral data	UV, IR, NMR, MS
Related compounds
Other anions	Sodium carbonate
Other cations	?
Related compounds	Sodium hydrogen sulphate sodium hydrogen phosphate
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25°C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Sodium bicarbonate NaHCO₃, or sodium hydrogen carbonate, also known as baking soda, bread soda, or bicarbonate of soda, is a soluble white anhydrous or crystalline chemical compound, with a slight alkaline taste resembling that of sodium carbonate. It is found in many mineral springs and also produced artificially.

Sodium bicarbonate, when exposed to an acid, releases carbon dioxide and water:

NaHCO₃ + HCl → NaCl + H₂O + CO₂ (gas)

NaHCO₃ + CH₃COOH → NaCH₃COO + H₂O + CO₂ (gas)

Above 60°C, it gradually decomposes into sodium carbonate, water and carbon dioxide, and at 200°C it is completely decomposed into sodium carbonate:

2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂

Uses

The factual accuracy of this section is disputed.
Please see the relevant discussion on the talk page.

Baking soda has over a hundred uses. [2]

• It is used in combination with acidic compounds (such as cream of tartar, lemon juice, yoghurt, etc.) as a leavening agent in baking: some forms of baking powder contain sodium bicarbonate combined with cream of tartar. (Note: Some nutritionists, such as Erica White caution against combining with cream of tartar or tartaric acid, as they are toxic substances.)
• Formerly, it was used as a source of carbon dioxide for soda water.
• Sodium bicarbonate has been used as an endurance enhancer.
• It is used as an antacid to treat acid indigestion and heartburn.
• The anhydrous form is also used to absorb moisture and odours; an open box can be left in a refrigerator for this purpose. However, baking soda does not actually absorb odors well when used in a refrigerator (see [3])
• A paste from baking soda can be very effective when used in cleaning and scrubbing.
• Used in toothpaste, baking soda helps to gently remove stains, whiten teeth, freshen breath, and dissolve plaque.
• Baking soda helps remove body odours as it absorbs chemicals, apply using a powder puff.
• Sodium bicarbonate is used as a fire-suppression agent ("BC powder") in some dry powder fire extinguishers. It is a minor component of Purple-K dry fire suppression agent.
• It can be mixed with cocaine as a part of the process of making crack cocaine or eno.
• It is commonly used to increase the pH and total alkalinity of the water for pools and spas. Sodium bicarbonate can be added as a simple solution for restoring the pH balance of water that has a high level of chlorine.
• It kills fleas and drives away ants. If it is applied to a pet's fur, it must be washed/rinsed off to prevent skin problems.
• If a small amount is mixed with water and ingested, it cleans out the kidneys. [4], [5]
• A teaspoon of it and a teaspoon of epsom salt in a glass of water cleans the blood stream. ^{[citation needed]}
• Baking soda and boiling water unclogs drains.
• One cup of baking soda maintains a healthy septic tank. It controls pH and keeps a good environment for the bacteria.
• It removes coffee stains, marker, and crayon.
• If made into a paste salve, it relieves burning from bug stings, poison ivy, nettles, and sunburn.
• grease cleaner
• With water, it cleans the impurities on contact lenses. Rinse completely before wearing contacts to avoid stinging of the salt in baking soda.
• It is used as a fabric softener in laundry.
• facial scrub
• It neutralizes battery acid.
• It is used to test garden soil for acidity.
• Can be used to kill crab grass in Flordia St. Augustine grass. Must be used repeatedly to control but is effective. Dampen area then sprinkle lightly, too much may harm desired grass temporarily.
• A solution in warm water will remove the tarnish from silver when the silver is in contact with a piece of aluminum foil.

Meat tenderizer

• a small amount (1tsp) can be added to a beef stew to make tough meat tenderize faster. (however, this is no substitute for just stewing the meat for more time)

Sodium bicarbonate also has some use in military applications. Cold sodium bicarbonate can be used to stop the chemical agent White Phosphorus, a common allotrope of phosphorus often used in incendiary bullets, from spreading inside a soldier's afflicted wounds. Military Application

Safety

Although sodium bicarbonate can be used as an antacid, active dose amounts contain large amounts of sodium. Excess consumption can raise blood pH. Sodium bicarbonate should only be consumed in solution with water.

See also

• Baking powder
• List of minerals
• Sodium carbonate
• Carbonic acid

Wikibooks Cookbook has more about this subject:

Baking soda