Sodium Bicarbonate

About Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium Bicarbonate, also known as sodium hydrogen carbonate, baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda, is an inorganic chemical compound with a chemical formula of NaHCO₃. This monosodium salt of carbonic acid is soluble in water and methanol and produces carbon dioxide bubbles when it comes in contact with an acid or liquid substance. It appears as a fine white crystalline powder, and lacks odor. The taste of baking soda is salty, slightly resembling the taste of washing soda.

Baking soda can be found in nature in its dissolved form in many different mineral springs. It’s most likely to be extracted from a mineral named Natron which contains a large amount of sodium bicarbonate; this inorganic salt is known as nahcolite, which is part of the mineral natron. Sodium bicarbonate can also be manufactured by the reaction of carbon dioxide with sodium hydroxide in an aqueous solution.

When sodium bicarbonate is applied to an acidic or alkaline substance, it has the natural property of neutralizing the pH of that chemical right away. It also has the ability to prevent further changes in pH level, known as buffering. This double property of neutralizing and buffering makes it the ideal product to tackle odors in and around the home and boost the cleaning power of laundry detergent.

Major uses and applications

Sodium bicarbonate is an essential compound with a wide range of chemical properties and significant industrial and household applications.

Industrial uses

Sodium bicarbonate is used in a process called soda blasting that works to remove corrosion and paint from surfaces. It is also effective as a fungicide against certain types of organisms, and it is widely known for its ability to absorb odors in refrigerators.

Fire extinguisher

Sodium bicarbonate has an alkali nature, making it the only dry chemical to be used in commercial kitchen fire protection systems.

Cooking Purposes

When sodium bicarbonate is utilized in baking, it is used as a leavening agent. Baking soda combined with acidic ingredients creates carbon dioxide, which causes the expansion as the batter is baked. It is most commonly utilized to: neutralize gassy beans, tenderize meat, make fluffier omelets, substitute for baking powder, and wash produce.

Medical uses

For better digestion, ridding the body of internal parasites, kidney function improvement, easing the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, regaining pH balance, fight colds.

Personal care and hygiene purposes

Mouthwash, toothpaste, tooth whitener, care for oral devices, facial and body scrub, deodorizing agent, antiacid, treat itchy skin and insect bites, hand cleanser and softener, bath soaks, treat diaper rash, treat skin irritation, sponge baths, soften tough calluses and shaving.

Cleaning agent

Sodium bicarbonate is utilized at home for deep cleaning when needed: all types of kitchen supplements, vinyl shower curtains, ovens, microwaves and toasters, sponges, food and drink containers, floors, furniture, sports equipment, shoes, marks from the walls, car batteries, jewelry, baby bottles, coffeemaker, fridge; also to strengthen liquid laundry detergent, surface soft scrub, tackle grease and oil stains.

Beauty purposes

Dry shampoos, volumizing and cleansing hair products, acne treatment, nail cleaner, chlorine remover, pedicures, skin brighteners, treat dandruff, home spa treatment, and softening stiff brushes.

Other uses

To keep flowers fresh for longer, sweeten tomatoes from the plants, get rid of small fires, maintain ashtrays, wipe windshields, repel pests and insects, septic maintenance, melt icy sidewalks and as a weed killer.

Common Uses and Applications

• Cleaning agent
• Corrosion remover
• Pesticide
• Odor remover
• Fire extinguisher
• Leavening agent
• Fruits and vegetable scrub
• Medicine agent
• Antiacid
• Body cleanser
• Mouthwash and toothpaste ingredient
• Irritation and skin itch treatment
• Acne product
• Dry and cleansing shampoo
• Skin brightener
• Nails care product
• Septic maintenance component
• Grease and oil remover
• Icy sidewalks treatment

Industries

• Food And Beverage
• Pharmaceutical
• Beauty And Personal Care
• Cleaning And Detergent
• Water Treatment
• Chemical
• Fire extinguisher
• Pulp and paper
• Agricultural