Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a white crystalline powder used in cooking, cleaning, and some personal-care products.
Chemical formula: NaHCO3
Common Uses
- Baking: Acts as a leavening agent. When it reacts with an acid, it releases carbon dioxide, which helps batter or dough rise.
- Cleaning and deodorizing: Used as a mild abrasive and to help reduce some odors.
- Personal care: Included in some toothpastes and other products. It may irritate skin, so avoid applying it to skin unless a suitable product’s directions recommend it.
- Antacid: Some products containing sodium bicarbonate relieve heartburn or acid indigestion. Follow the label directions and ask a health professional if you’re unsure whether it’s appropriate for you.
Key Properties
- Mildly alkaline; an aqueous solution is around pH 8.3 under commonly specified conditions.
- Has a mildly abrasive texture.
- Reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) gas.