Knowledge about sodium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate, with the molecular formula NaHCO₃, is an inorganic salt, white crystalline powder, odorless, alkaline in taste, and easily soluble in water. It decomposes slowly in humid air or hot air to produce carbon dioxide, which is completely decomposed when heated to 270°C. When encountering acid, it will decompose strongly to produce carbon dioxide.

Sodium ions are normally required by the human body and are generally considered non-toxic. However, excessive intake may cause alkalosis, damage the liver, and induce high blood pressure.
The solid sodium bicarbonate begins to decompose gradually above 50°C to produce sodium carbonate, water, and carbon dioxide gas. This property is often used as a leavening agent for making biscuits, cakes, steamed bread, and bread. Sodium bicarbonate will leave sodium carbonate after its action, too much use will make the finished product have an alkaline taste.

Physical properties

White crystals, or opaque monoclinic system fine crystals, odorless, salty, soluble in water, insoluble in ethanol. The solubility in water is 7.8g (18℃) and 16.0g (60℃).

Chemical nature

It has stable properties at room temperature and easily decomposes when heated. It decomposes rapidly above 50°C and completely loses carbon dioxide at 270°C. There is no change in dry air, but it decomposes slowly in the humid air. It can react with both acid and alkali. It reacts with the acid to form corresponding salt, water, and carbon dioxide and reacts with the base to form corresponding carbonate and water. In addition, it can also react with certain salts and undergo double hydrolysis with aluminum chloride and aluminum chlorate to generate aluminum hydroxide, sodium salt, and carbon dioxide.

The role of sodium bicarbonate

Pharmaceutical industry
Sodium bicarbonate can be directly used as a raw material in the pharmaceutical industry to treat hyperacidity.
Food processing
In food processing, it is one of the most widely used bulking agents, used in the production of biscuits, bread, etc., and is a carbon dioxide generator in soda drinks; it can be compounded with alum to form an alkaline baking powder, or it can be compounded with soda ash for civilian use Lithium; can also be used as a preservative for butter.
Fire fighting equipment
Used in the production of acid-base fire extinguishers and foam fire extinguishers.
Other
In the rubber industry, it can be used in the production of rubber and sponge; in the metallurgical industry, it can be used as a flux for casting steel ingots; in the machinery industry, it can be used as a molding aid for cast steel (foundation) sand molds; in the printing and dyeing industry, it can be used as a fixation for dyeing and printing. Agent, acid-base buffering agent, fabric dyeing and finishing agent; adding baking soda to dyeing can prevent the yarn from producing colored flowers; used as a raw material for antacids in the pharmaceutical industry; also used as a detergent for wool and in agriculture Seed soaking and so on.

Matters needing attention

Leak handling
Isolate the leaking contaminated area and restrict access. It is recommended that emergency personnel wear dust masks (full-face masks) and general work clothes. Avoid dust, sweep up carefully, put it in a bag and transfer it to a safe place. If there is a large amount of leakage, cover it with plastic sheeting or canvas. Collect and recycle or transport to waste disposal sites for disposal.
Storage and transportation attention
Sodium bicarbonate is a non-dangerous product, but it should be protected from moisture. Store in a dry and ventilated warehouse. Do not store and transport with acids. Edible baking soda must be especially careful not to be stored and transported with toxic substances to prevent contamination.