Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium Bicarbonate, also known as Baking Soda, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, or NaHCO₃, is a white, odorless, crystalline, and mildly hygroscopic inorganic compound. It has a wide range of applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural, detergent, petrochemical, firefighting, and water treatment industries. It functions as a pH regulator, buffering agent, antacid, mild cleanser, flame retardant, and deodorizing agent.

Chemical Structure of Sodium Bicarbonate

• Chemical Formula: NaHCO₃

• IUPAC Name: Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate

• Molecular Structure: Ionic (Na⁺ + HCO₃⁻)

• CAS Number: 144-55-8

• 3D Structure: The hydrogen carbonate ion (HCO₃⁻) is planar and forms a stable ionic crystal lattice with sodium ions in the solid state.

• Molecular Weight: 84.01 g/mol

• Natural Source: Found naturally in deposits such as Nahcolite.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Applications of Sodium Bicarbonate

Food Industry (Food Grade – E500)

• Leavening agent in bread, cakes, and baked goods

• pH regulator in processed foods

• Antacid component in carbonated drinks and instant beverage powders

Pharmaceutical Industry

• Antacid for treatment of heartburn and acid reflux

• Active ingredient in mouthwash, nasal rinse, and contact lens solutions

• Buffering agent in effervescent tablets, injectables, and syrups

Detergent and Cleaning Industry

• Mild cleaning and natural deodorizing agent

• Water softener in detergent powders

• Odor absorber in refrigerators and footwear

Firefighting

• Primary component of dry chemical fire extinguishers

• Neutralizing agent for acid spills in chemical emergencies

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

• Soil pH balancer for acidic soils

• pH regulator in animal feed formulations

• Antifungal treatment for plant leaves

Water and Wastewater Treatment

• pH adjustment in industrial effluents

• Neutralization of dissolved metal ions

Advantages of Sodium Bicarbonate

• Non-toxic, biocompatible, and environmentally degradable

• Available in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial grades

• Safe for humans and the environment under permitted doses

• Multi-functional and cost-effective

• Chemically stable during long-term storage under proper conditions

• Compatible with many other chemical substances

Disadvantages of Sodium Bicarbonate

• Moisture-sensitive – loses effectiveness in humid environments

• Decomposes at high temperatures, unsuitable for direct thermal processes

• Excessive use may cause over-alkalization of the medium

• Requires high purity grades for specific uses (e.g., pharmaceutical, food)

• Not suitable for closed pressurized systems due to CO₂ generation during decomposition

Safety and Handling

• GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous

• Oral Toxicity: Non-toxic at dietary levels (GRAS – Generally Recognized as Safe by FDA)

• Inhalation: Low hazard; excessive dust exposure may irritate respiratory passages

• Skin and Eye Contact: Generally safe; prolonged exposure may cause dryness of skin

• Reactivity: Stable; decomposes upon heating to form Na₂CO₃, CO₂, and H₂O

Safety Precautions

• Use a respiratory mask in dusty industrial environments

• Wear protective gloves when handling large quantities

• Use safety goggles in powder-handling areas

• Ensure adequate ventilation in storage or enclosed spaces

• Avoid direct contact with acids (reacts vigorously with effervescence)

Storage Conditions