Baking soda

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

It is also used as an antacid to treat acid indigestion and heartburn. The anhydrous form is also used to absorb moisture and odours; a box can be left in the refrigerator for this purpose. Additionally, 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, and freshen breath.

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

• NaHCO₃ + HCl → NaCl + H₂O + CO₂ (gas)
• NaHCO₃ + CH₃COOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O + CO₂ (gas)

Above 60 °C, it gradually decomposes into sodium carbonate, water and carbon dioxide:

• 2 NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂

It is used in combination with acidic compounds as a leavening agent in baking: some forms of baking powder contain sodium bicarbonate. Formerly, it was used as a source of carbon dioxide for soda water.

Safety

Although sodium bicarbonate is used as an antacid, excess consumption can raise blood pH. Sodium bicarbonate should only be consumed in solution with water. Sodium bicarbonate can also be consumed in a mixture of common drinks to help water down taste.

See also

• baking powder
• list of minerals
• sodium carbonate

External links

Wikibooks Cookbook has more about this subject:

Baking soda

• Free to read Baking Soda Book
• Sixty-one Uses of Baking Soda