What is Sodium Bicarbonate? (NaHCO₃) – Definition, Properties, and Applications
Sodium Bicarbonate is essential in chemistry and helps students understand various practical and theoretical applications related to this topic.
What is Sodium Bicarbonate in Chemistry?
A sodium bicarbonate refers to an inorganic compound with the formula NaHCO3. This concept appears in chapters related to acids, bases and salts, types of chemical reactions, and environmental chemistry, making it a foundational part of your chemistry syllabus.
Molecular Formula and Composition
The molecular formula of sodium bicarbonate is NaHCO3. It consists of sodium (Na), hydrogen (H), carbon (C), and three oxygen (O) atoms. Sodium bicarbonate is categorized under simple ionic salts, containing the sodium cation (Na+) and the bicarbonate anion (HCO3-).
Preparation and Synthesis Methods
Sodium bicarbonate is prepared industrially using the Solvay process. In this process, brine (sodium chloride solution) is reacted with ammonia and carbon dioxide.
This results in sodium bicarbonate as an intermediate product. On a smaller scale, sodium bicarbonate can also be prepared by passing carbon dioxide gas through a cold and concentrated solution of sodium carbonate.
Physical Properties of Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate is a white, crystalline, odorless powder. It is sparingly soluble in cold water but dissolves better in warm water. The pH of a sodium bicarbonate solution is about 8.3, making it weakly basic.
Melting point is about 50°C (it decomposes before melting significantly), and it decomposes completely by 851°C. Its molar mass is 84.01 g/mol.
Chemical Properties and Reactions
Sodium bicarbonate reacts with acids to produce salt, water, and carbon dioxide, like when used in baking. Upon heating, sodium bicarbonate decomposes to form sodium carbonate, water vapor, and carbon dioxide.
It acts as a weak base in water, partially hydrolyzing to form sodium hydroxide and carbonic acid. Sodium bicarbonate is also used to neutralize acidic substances, both in the lab and in daily life.
Frequent Related Errors
- Confusing sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) with sodium carbonate (washing soda), though their formulas and uses are different.
- Mistaking sodium bicarbonate for dangerous chemicals due to its reactivity, although it is generally safe in small amounts.
- Assuming it is strong like sodium hydroxide, whereas it is actually a much weaker base.
Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate in Real Life
Sodium bicarbonate is widely used in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and cleaning. At home, it’s found in baking powder, antacid tablets, fire extinguishers, and even swimming pools.
It acts as a leavening agent for baking, a gentle cleaning powder, a deodorizer, and helps regulate pH in water. Its use as an antacid helps quickly relieve heartburn by neutralizing excess acid in the stomach.
Relation with Other Chemistry Concepts
Sodium bicarbonate is closely related to topics such as acids, bases and salts and types of chemical reactions, helping students build a conceptual bridge between various chapters.
Step-by-Step Reaction Example
1. React sodium bicarbonate with hydrochloric acid.2. The resulting products are sodium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide gas.
Lab or Experimental Tips
Remember sodium bicarbonate by the rule of "baking soda fizzes with acid." Vedantu educators often use this tip in live sessions to simplify the detection of carbonates and explain gas evolution during chemical reactions.
Try This Yourself
- Write the IUPAC name of sodium bicarbonate.
- Test sodium bicarbonate with vinegar (acetic acid) and note the fizzing—what gas is released?
- Name two common uses of sodium bicarbonate at home.
Final Wrap-Up
We explored sodium bicarbonate—its structure, properties, reactions, and real-life importance. For more in-depth explanations and study help, join live classes and access revision notes available on Vedantu.
Related Vedantu Chemistry Pages
- Sodium Carbonate: Learn the differences between sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.
- Acids, Bases and Salts: Understand where sodium bicarbonate fits among these categories.
- Types of Chemical Reactions: See how sodium bicarbonate decomposes and reacts with acids.
FAQs on Sodium Bicarbonate in Chemistry: Formula, Uses & Safety
1. What is the chemical formula of sodium bicarbonate?
Sodium bicarbonate has the chemical formula NaHCO3.
- Also known as baking soda or sodium hydrogen carbonate.
- It is a white, crystalline powder, highly soluble in water.
2. What are the main uses of sodium bicarbonate?
Sodium bicarbonate is widely used for various applications:
- Antacid for relieving acid indigestion
- Leavening agent in baking
- Cleaning product for households
- Fire extinguishing agent
- Maintaining pH in swimming pools and aquariums
3. Is sodium bicarbonate the same as baking soda?
Yes, sodium bicarbonate and baking soda are two names for the same compound (NaHCO3). It is commonly used in baking, cleaning, and as an antacid.
4. What happens when sodium bicarbonate is heated?
When sodium bicarbonate is heated strongly, it decomposes:
- Forms sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide gas (CO2)
- This reaction is represented as:
2 NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2
5. Why should sodium bicarbonate not be overused?
Excess use of sodium bicarbonate can cause health risks:
- Disturbs body’s acid-base balance
- May lead to alkalosis (excess alkalinity)
- Possible side effects: nausea, muscle spasms, swelling, or interaction with medications
6. How does sodium bicarbonate act as an antacid?
Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes excess stomach acid:
- Reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach
- Produces sodium chloride (salt), water, and carbon dioxide
- Relieves heartburn and indigestion quickly
7. How is sodium bicarbonate prepared industrially?
Sodium bicarbonate is commonly prepared using the Solvay process:
- Sodium chloride (NaCl) reacts with ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in water
- Forms sodium bicarbonate, which precipitates out
- Filtered and dried for commercial use
8. What are the physical properties of sodium bicarbonate?
Sodium bicarbonate is characterized by:
- White crystalline powder appearance
- Soluble in water
- Mildly alkaline; pH of aqueous solution is around 8–9
- Decomposes with heat to form sodium carbonate, water, and CO2
9. What happens when sodium bicarbonate reacts with acids?
Sodium bicarbonate reacts with acids such as vinegar (acetic acid):
- Produces carbon dioxide gas (CO2)
- Forms water and a corresponding salt
- This is why fizzing/bubbling is observed in such reactions
10. How does sodium bicarbonate benefit the kidneys?
Sodium bicarbonate helps by neutralizing excess acid in the blood:
- Supports acid-base balance in the body
- Sometimes used in medical treatment for chronic kidney disease (under supervision)
- May slow kidney damage progression by reducing acidosis
11. How is sodium bicarbonate different from sodium carbonate?
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) differ by:
- Bicarbonate is milder, used as an antacid and in baking
- Carbonate is a stronger base, mainly used in cleaning, water softening, and industry
- Chemically, sodium bicarbonate can convert to sodium carbonate upon heating
12. What safety precautions should be taken with sodium bicarbonate?
When handling sodium bicarbonate:
- Avoid inhaling powder
- Store in a dry, cool place away from moisture
- Use as directed, especially for medicinal use
- Do not mix with strong acids without proper precautions
