Categories
Application

    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

    Property Description
    Physical State White crystalline or powdery solid
    Taste and Odor Odorless, slightly alkaline taste
    Decomposition Temperature Approximately 270 °C
    pH (1% aqueous solution) Between 8.2 and 8.6
    Viscosity Not applicable (solid material)
    Chemical Stability Stable under normal conditions; decomposes upon heating to CO₂, Na₂CO₃, and H₂O

    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

    Parameter Recommended Condition
    Storage Temperature Between 15 °C and 30 °C
    Humidity Dry, low-humidity environment (moisture causes caking)
    Light Exposure Store away from direct sunlight
    Packaging Multi-layer polypropylene or kraft paper bags with moisture barrier
    Storage Area Covered, ventilated warehouse away from acids
    Labeling Clear and standardized labeling (production date, grade, safety warnings, storage conditions)

    Sodium Bicarbonate