Question

Is $NaHC{{O}_{3}}$ an acid or base?

Answer 1

Hint: The chemical compound sodium bicarbonate, sometimes known as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda, has the formula $NaHC{{O}_{3}}$. A sodium cation ($N{{a}^{+}}$) and a bicarbonate anion ($HC{{O}_{3}}^{-}$) make up this salt. Sodium bicarbonate is a crystalline white substance that frequently appears as a fine powder. It tastes somewhat salty and alkaline, similar to washing soda (sodium carbonate). Nahcolite is the natural mineral form. It is found dissolved in many mineral springs as a component of the mineral natron.

Complete answer:
Alkali salts are salts formed when a strong base and a weak acid are not completely neutralised. Alkali salts, rather than being neutral, are bases, as their name implies. The conjugate base from the weak acid hydrolyzes to create a basic solution, making these molecules basic. The carbonate from carbonic acid, for example, hydrolyzes to create a basic solution in sodium carbonate. A basic salt is the soluble hydroxide compound of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal, whereas an alkali is the soluble hydroxide compound of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal. Any salt that hydrolyzes to create a basic solution is referred to as a basic salt.
With a pH slightly above 7, sodium bicarbonate is a weak base. Sodium bicarbonate, on the other hand, may function as both an acid and a base. The pH of the solution in water will be somewhat higher than 7, which is basic. A proton donor is an acid. A proton acceptor is a base. Sodium bicarbonate is a base when combined with acetic acid (vinegar), receiving a proton from the acetic acid (then decomposing to water and carbon dioxide). Sodium bicarbonate, on the other hand, can give a proton when coupled with a strong base like sodium hydroxide. Bicarbonate decomposes into carbonate, and hydroxide decomposes into water.
\[C{{H}_{3}}COOH\text{ }+\text{ }NaHC{{O}_{3}}~\to \text{ }C{{H}_{3}}COONa\text{ }+\text{ }{{H}_{2}}C{{O}_{3}}\]
\[{{H}_{2}}C{{O}_{3}}~\to \text{ }{{H}_{2}}O\text{ }+\text{ }C{{O}_{2}}\]
\[NaHC{{O}_{3}}+\text{ }NaOH\text{ }\to \text{ }{{H}_{2}}O\text{ }+\text{ }N{{a}_{2}}C{{O}_{3}}\]
Hence sodium bicarbonate is a weak base.

Note:
Soda Blasting is a method of removing paint and corrosion that uses sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate is used as a blasting medium to remove surface contaminants from softer and less robust substrates such as aluminium, copper, and wood that might be harmed by abrasive media containing silica sand. A mild scouring powder produced from baking soda and water is effective in eliminating surface rust, as the rust forms a water-soluble compound when in a concentrated alkaline solution; cold water should be used, as hot-water solutions can damage steel, according to the manufacturer.