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Important Salts in Daily Life - Preparation and Uses of Baking Soda

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Topics

  • Introduction
  • Properties
  • Uses

Introduction:

Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda, is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO₃. It consists of sodium cations (Na⁺) and bicarbonate anions (HCO₃⁻). Typically appearing as a fine white powder, it is a crystalline salt with a slightly salty and alkaline taste, similar to washing soda (sodium carbonate). In its natural mineral form, it is called nahcolite and is often found as part of the mineral trona. Widely known and used for centuries, sodium bicarbonate is referred to by various names such as baking soda, bread soda, cooking soda, and brewing soda. It is commonly available in stores, usually placed near baking powder.

The baking soda is commonly used in the kitchen for making tasty crispy pakoras, etc. Sometimes it is added for faster cooking. The chemical name of the compound is sodium hydrogencarbonate (NaHCO3). It is produced using sodium chloride as one of the raw materials.

NaCl + H₂O + CO₂ + NH₃ → NH₄Cl + NaHCO₃

Properties:

  • Sodium bicarbonate is a white, crystalline compound that often appears as a fine powder.
  • It is basic in nature, as it turns red litmus paper blue when it reacts with moisture. It has a slightly salty and alkaline taste.
  • Reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas, making it useful in leavening processes.
  • Decomposes upon heating to release carbon dioxide and water, leaving behind sodium carbonate.
  • It is non-toxic and safe for culinary and household uses.
  • Naturally occurs as the mineral nahcolite, a component of trona.

Uses:

  1. It is used as a leavening agent in baking to make bread, cakes, and dhokla rise by releasing carbon dioxide gas.
  2. Acts as an antacid to relieve acidity and indigestion by neutralising stomach acid.
  3. A key ingredient in fire extinguishers, where it generates carbon dioxide to smother flames.
  4. Effective for cleaning ovens and removing stubborn grease or stains.
  5. Commonly used in personal care products, such as toothpaste, for its mild abrasive and deodorising properties.
  6. Applied in household cleaning to deodorise and freshen surfaces.
  7. Used in laboratories and industries for neutralising acids and as a mild cleaning agent.
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