The chemical name of baking soda is sodium hydrogencarbonate (NaHCO3). It is also called sodium bicarbonate.
PRODUCTION OF SODIUM HYDROGEN CARBONATE THROUGH SOLVAY’S PROCESS
Sodium hydrogencarbonate is produced on a large scale by the reaction of a cold and concentrated solution of sodium chloride called brine with ammonia and carbon dioxide.
The carbon dioxide is produced through calcium carbonate and the calcium oxide left is used in recovering ammonia from ammonium chloride.
Sodium bicarbonate is produced as one of the end products.
PROPERTIES OF SODIUM HYDROGENCARBONATE
It consists of white crystals which are sparingly soluble in water with a slightly salty taste.
It is a mild, non-corrosive base.
The solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate in water is mildly alkaline.
Action of Heat : When solid hydrogencarbonate (or its solution) is heated, then it decomposes to give sodium carbonate with the evolution of carbon dioxide gas:
USES OF SODIUM HYDROGENCARBONATE
It is used as an antacid in medicine to remove acidity of the stomach.
It is used in making baking powder (used in making cakes, bread, etc.)
The soft and fluffy nature of bread and cakes is due to the production of carbon dioxide when it is heated or mixed in water.
