LEARN ABOUT THE PREPARATION OF SODIUM BICARBONATE

The chemical compound sodium bicarbonate (IUPAC name: sodium hydrogen carbonate), also known as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda, has the formula NaHCO3. It is a salt made up of sodium cation (Na+) and bicarbonate anion (HCO3). Sodium bicarbonate is a white crystalline substance that generally appears as a fine powder. It has a somewhat salty, alkaline flavour similar to washing soda (sodium carbonate). Nahcolite is the natural mineral form. 

Preparation of Sodium bicarbonate

The Solvay method is primarily responsible for the production of sodium bicarbonate. The Solvay reaction is a water-based reaction involving sodium chloride, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Calcium carbonate is employed as a CO2 source, and the calcium oxide that results is used to recover ammonia from ammonium chloride. The purity of the product is low (75 percent). Sodium carbonate, water, and carbon dioxide are used to create a pure product. Carbon dioxide combines with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution to produce sodium bicarbonate. Sodium carbonate is the first product of this reaction.

Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O → 2 NaHCO3

Then, adding carbon dioxide to the above reaction produces sodium bicarbonate.

Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O → 2 NaHCO3

Main uses of Sodium bicarbonate

Baking soda is a chemical that has a wide range of applications. It is affordable, and because of its widespread use, it has become a common home item. Its applications include:

In the medical field-

• It is used as an antacid to treat indigestion and heartburn. Its quick effect decreases stomach acid, offering relief for a short time. Its alkaline nature aids in indigestion relief by neutralizing excess stomach hydrochloric acid.

• In medical crises such as serious renal failure, heart stroke, or uncontrolled diabetes, a 5% sodium bicarbonate infusion injection is given.

• It’s utilised in the manufacture of beauty care, cosmetics, and personal hygiene goods.

• It’s utilised in the production of ear drops.

• It’s given intravenously to help with chemotherapy side effects.

• Because of its antibacterial characteristics, it is used to clean the mouth and teeth.

In the home-

• It’s a wonder chemical that’s mostly utilised as a cleaning agent, a cooking component, and a disinfectant. 

• It is used to raise flour batter as a baking soda. This baking powder is used as a leavening agent (a chemical that releases gas and causes dough to rise and expand) in the production of bread, cakes, cookies, pancakes, patties, and other baked goods.

• Sodium bicarbonate interacts with tartaric acid to form carbon dioxide gas when baking powder is mixed with water in cake dough.

• Baking soda is frequently used to speed up the cooking of foods such as gram or chana.

• It’s used to make aerated soda water and carbonated beverages.

• Soda acid fire extinguishers include baking soda. Two distinct canisters containing sodium hydrogen carbonate solution and sulphuric acid are contained within this extinguisher. The acid reacts with the soda solution when the extinguisher’s knob is pressed, releasing a substantial amount of carbon dioxide gas. CO2 gas escapes together with the moving liquid. It lands on the burning object, cutting off the oxygen supply and extinguishing the fire.

• The liquid that falls on the burning substance cools it down and assists in lowering the ignition temperature, putting out the fire.

• It’s used to clean floors, sinks, and kitchen utensils, among other things.

• Baking soda is used to kill microorganisms on surfaces as a disinfectant.

• To destroy cockroaches and other pests, it is used as a pesticide.

• It has the ability to negate corrosion’s effects.

• It may be used to deodorise old carpets, rugs, cupboards, shoes, refrigerators, and vacuum cleaners, among other things.

• It can get rid of stubborn stains on the floor, clothes, and furniture.

• It’s a water conditioner and softener that’s used to eliminate dirt from garments.

In Gardening-

• Baking soda can be used as a natural pesticide in the garden to kill dangerous bugs and fungi that attack plants.

• It can be put to soil to raise the pH level and make it alkaline. Alkaline soil is preferred by some plants.

• It’s also useful for cleaning garden implements.

Characteristics Of Sodium bicarbonate

• It is non-combustible.

• Powder dust isn’t as explosive as other types of dust.

• It has a melting point of 50 degrees celsius.

• NaHCO3 is a crystalline white substance with no odor.

• It is fundamental in nature.

CONCLUSION

Baking soda, bread soda, cooking soda, and bicarbonate of soda are all common names for the salt, which is commonly available beside baking powder in supermarkets. In the United States, baking soda is more commonly used, although in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, bicarbonate of soda is more commonly used. Natron is the name given to it in many northern and central European countries. Sodium bicarb, bicarb soda, bicarbonate, and bicarb are examples of abbreviated colloquial versions. The prefix bi in bicarbonate stems from an old naming system that predates molecular knowledge and refers to the two molar equivalents of carbon dioxide released by potassium hydro carbonate/bicarbonate as it decomposes to (di)potassium carbonate and potassium oxide. (potash)