Sodium Hydrogen carbonate

Sodium hydrogen carbonate, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaHCO₃. It is a white crystalline powder that is commonly used as a leavening agent, pH buffer, and mild cleaning agent.

🏭⚗️ Production
Sodium bicarbonate is industrially produced using the Solvay process, in which sodium chloride (salt), ammonia, and carbon dioxide react in water to form sodium bicarbonate and ammonium chloride. The sodium bicarbonate precipitates out and is then filtered and dried.

🔬 Properties
Sodium bicarbonate is a white, odorless, crystalline solid with a slightly alkaline taste. It is soluble in water and decomposes when heated above 80 °C, releasing carbon dioxide and water and forming sodium carbonate. It has mild alkaline properties, making it effective in neutralizing acids. It is stable under normal storage conditions but should be kept dry.

🧪 Applications
• Widely used in baking as a leavening agent that releases carbon dioxide when reacting with acids.
• Used in antacid products to relieve heartburn and indigestion.
• Commonly employed in cleaning agents as a gentle abrasive and deodorizer.
• Used in fire extinguishers for small grease or electrical fires.
• Applied in laboratories and industry as a buffering agent and pH stabilizer.