Sodium bicarbonate

Food grade sodium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, bicarbonate of soda, Bicarb, or baking soda, is a commonly used reagent with the chemical formula NaHCO₃. Generally appearing as a fine white powder or fine crystals, sodium bicarbonate is an amphoteric compound, fulfilling roles as both an acid and a base in different chemical reactions, though it is more often thought of as a base.

Properties

Chemical

Sodium bicarbonate will react with acids to release carbon dioxide.

NaHCO₃ + HX → H₂O + CO₂ + NaX

Sodium bicarbonate reacts with bases such as sodium hydroxide to form carbonates:

NaHCO₃ + NaOH → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O

Sodium bicarbonate slowly decomposes to form sodium carbonate above 50 °C, though the rate of decomposition is much higher at or above 200 °C.

Physical

Sodium bicarbonate forms white crystals and is soluble in water. It has a slightly salty taste, similar to that of sodium carbonate.

Acquisition

Relatively pure sodium bicarbonate can be purchased in supermarkets, cheaply and in large quantities, as baking soda. It is essential to buy unscented baking soda, as scented baking soda may form side products with other reactants or give a nauseating odor in many reactions.

Preparation

Sodium bicarbonate can be prepared by bubbling carbon dioxide in a solution of sodium carbonate.

Uses

Sodium bicarbonate is one of the most versatile and commonly encountered compounds in amateur chemistry. Neutralization of sodium bicarbonate with acids yields a sodium salt and large amounts of carbon dioxide; reaction vessels should have ample headroom to prevent spills. Due to its ease of access and relative cheapness, sodium bicarbonate can be used to neutralize and clean acid spills as well. As many carbonates are not water-soluble, sodium bicarbonate can be used in double replacement reactions to produce the carbonates of many metals.

Sodium bicarbonate, like sodium carbonate, can be used in acid-base titrations.

Handling

Safety

Sodium bicarbonate is non-toxic, but if swallowed it will neutralize the gastric acid and release carbon dioxide, causing burps or if too much is ingested, vomit. It will also increase the sodium level in blood if large quantities are consumed.

Storage

Sodium bicarbonate should be stored in closed bottles away from any acidic vapors.

Disposal

Sodium bicarbonate can be poured down the drain.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Separate sodium bicarb from NH4CL and water