What is Sodium Bicarbonate?
Sodium bicarbonate is an inorganic compound, chemical formula NaHCO3, commonly known as baking soda, baking soda powder, baking powder, heavy ash, baking alkali, etc. It is a tiny white crystal with a solubility less than sodium bicarbonate in water and a weak alkaline.
Chemical property
Sodium bicarbonate is an acidic salt produced after the neutralization of strong alkali and weak acid, and it is weakly alkaline when dissolved in water.
At above 127 ° C, it begins to decompose gradually to form sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide and water, and completely decomposes at 270 ° C.
2NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2↑
This property is often used as an easing agent in food preparation.
Sodium bicarbonate can react with acid to produce corresponding sodium salts:
NaHCO3 + CH3COOH → CH3COONa + H2O + CO2↑
NaHCO3 + HCl → NaCl + H2O + CO2↑
Sodium bicarbonate solution can react with magnesium:
4Mg + 8NaHCO3 + 4 H2O → 3MgCO3·Mg(OH)2·3H2O + 4 Na2CO3 + 4 H2↑ + CO2↑
Production methods
The most common method of preparation of sodium bicarbonate is to introduce carbon dioxide into a solution of stainless steel. The crystallization results in:
Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O → 2 NaHCO3
Another method is to electrolyze saturated and saline water while injecting excess carbon dioxide into it
2 NaCl + 2 H2O + 2 CO2 – energized → 2 NaHCO3 + Cl2 ↑ + H2 ↑
In this reaction, electrolysis produces sodium bicarbonate and chlorine and hydrogen gas.
The industrial method of sodium bicarbonate is the Hughes alkalinization method: NaCl + NH3 · H2O + CO2 = NaHCO3 + NH4Cl Carbon dioxide is fed into saturated and saline water filled with ammonia. Sodium bicarbonate has a low solubility and will precipitate shortly.
Baking soda can be divided into medicinal, edible, and industrial uses, and it is also different in the place of purchase depending on the type. Among them, the purity of industrial baking soda is lower, there are more impurities, and the purity is higher than that of edible baking soda.
Baking applications
Sodium bicarbonate produces soapification when mixed directly with oils, and the soapy flavor is too strong to affect the flavor and quality of West Point.
Sodium bicarbonate is often used as a neutralizer, for example to balance the acidity of chocolate. It also deepens the color of the chocolate, making it appear darker.
If excessive sodium bicarbonate is added to West Point, in addition to damaging quality and causing excessive alkaline flavor, it will also cause heart palpitations, lips numbness, and a brief loss of taste in the consuming person.
Cleaning applications
Baking soda is used in home cleaning to decontaminate and deodorize. Due to greasy, stains or unpleasant smell, most of them belong to acidic substances (H +, such as fatty acid), when the weakly alkaline hydroxide (OH-) meets with acidic substances, it will produce neutralization. Apply the dirty dirt for a few minutes, then gently wipe it.
If baking soda is mixed with an acidic substance such as vinegar, it will have a neutralizing reaction and lose its cleanliness.
Medical applications
Baking soda can be taken orally to treat colds, stomach acids, prevent heavy metal poisoning, etc. It is the cheapest and easiest prescription for medical treatment. In addition, it can also be used externally, such as pouring it into a bathtub to relieve stress and muscle pain.