Sodium bicarbonate

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Sodium bicarbonate
Image:Sodium bicarbonate.png
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	Template:CASREF
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 (pK_b)	?
Structure
Molecular shape	?
Coordination geometry	?
Crystal structure	?
Dipole moment	? D
Hazards
MSDS	External MSDS
Main hazards	Irritant.
NFPA 704	Template:Nfpa
Flash point	Non-flammable.
R/S statement	R: ? S: ?
RTECS number	VZ0950000
Supplementary data page
Structure and properties	n, ε_r, 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 and 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.

It is also 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. 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. Baking soda helps remove body odours as it absorbs chemicals, apply using a powder puff.

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:

2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂

It is used in combination with acidic compounds (such as cream of tartar) 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. Sodium bicarbonate has also been used as an endurance enhancer.

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.

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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.

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

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