Baking Soda: Preparation, Properties & Uses

Baking soda is the famous chemical name of Sodium bicarbonate, is the chemical compound with the formula NaHCO₃ and the IUPAC designation sodium hydrogen carbonate. The process of recrystallization of sodium carbonate gives washing soda. From Sodium Carbonate, baking soda can be obtained. Sodium carbonate decahydrate is the chemical name of washing soda and the chemical formula is Na₂CO₃. Washing soda is generally used as a detergent that washes the clothes. Let’s learn more on the topic and discuss some important questions.

Key Terms: Baking soda, Washing Soda, Plaster of Paris, Sodium Bicarbonate, Solvay’s process. 

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What is Baking Soda?

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The most commonly used in households across the world and white crystalline compound with a slightly salty taste is famous by the name baking soda the chemical formula is NaHCO₃ and the chemical name is Sodium Bicarbonate.

Baking Soda

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Structure of Sodium Bicarbonate

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•  NaHCO₃ is the chemical formula of sodium bicarbonate
• The structure of sodium bicarbonate is designed with sodium cation (Na⁺) and the bicarbonate anion (BaCO₃) (HCO₃^-).
• The structure of baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is the combination of these compounds, one sodium atom, one carbon atom, one hydrogen atom, and three oxygen atoms
• The structure of baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is by nature monoclinic.

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Preparation of Baking Soda

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In the preparation of baking soda, Solvay’s process takes an important role. The reaction of sodium chloride, ammonia, and carbon dioxide in water is known as Solvay’s process. The carbon dioxide which is involved in the preparation is produced through calcium carbonate and the calcium oxide left is used in making ammonia from ammonium chloride. Through all these reactions finally, sodium bicarbonate is produced.

NaCl + H₂O + CO₂ + NH₃ → NH₄Cl + NaHCO₃

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Properties of Sodium Bicarbonate

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Some of the important properties are listed below:

• Sodium bicarbonate Chemical formula - NaHCO₃
• The density of Sodium bicarbonate is solids:2.20 g/cm³ and Powder: 1.1 – 1.3
• The texture and appearance of Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) has a white, crystalline powder.
• The boiling and melting point of Sodium bicarbonate is 851 °C and 50 °C
• This compound NaHCO₃ is not soluble in ethanol but it is slightly soluble in methanol and acetone and water also.
• When it is heated, releasing carbon dioxide gas and forming sodium carbonate.

Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂ = 2NaHCO₃

• The Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass of sodium bicarbonate is 84.0066 g/ mol.

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Uses of Baking Soda

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There are various applications and uses where baking soda can be used. Listed below is some of the uses and applications:

• In the medical field, It is used as an antacid in the treatment of acidity and indigestion.. Its fast action reduces stomach acid, providing brief relief. Its alkaline composition helps to reduce indigestion by neutralizing excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
• It can be used in making soft and fluffy bread and cakes due to the production of carbon dioxide when it is heated or mixed in water.

NaHCO₃ + H⁺ → CO₂ + H₂O + sodium salt of acid

• In the manufacturing of beauty care, cosmetics, and personal hygiene goods, it can be used.
• It is used to clean the mouth and teeth and get relief from bacteria and yellowness of teeth.
• In the making of soda-acid fire extinguishers, it is used.
• It is used as an ingredient in the manufacturing of antacids.

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Washing Soda

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Washing soda is also very famous like baking soda in households across the world. The texture and appearance of washing soda is a whitish, odorless powder, and the chemical formula of washing soda is Na₂CO₃.10H₂O and the chemical name is sodium carbonate. In the environment its nature is hygroscopic and it absorbs moisture from the air.

Washing Soda

• Washing Soda Preparation 

Preparation and manufacturing of washing soda or Sodium Carbonate is synthesized through Solvay’s process. In this process the reaction of sodium chloride, ammonia, and carbon dioxide in water takes place. When the calcium carbonate and the calcium oxide left are used in recovering ammonia from ammonium chloride then carbon dioxide is produced.

Stepwise Solvay’s process is given below:

Step 1: Carbon dioxide is passed through an ammoniated brine solution in a carbonating tower, Finally in this reaction sodium bicarbonate is found.

NH₃(aq) + CO₂(g) + NaCl(aq) +H₂O → NaHCO₃(s) + NH₄Cl(aq)

Step 2: When sodium bicarbonate heated at a temperature of 300°C. Finally, the sodium carbonate takes place.

2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O

Step 3: Finally, by recrystallization of sodium carbonate. washing soda or sodium carbonate decahydrate is produced.

Na₂CO₃ + 10H₂O → Na₂CO₃.10H₂O

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Plaster of Paris

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The texture and appearance of Plaster of Paris are white powder and it hardens when exposed to moisture and allowed to dry. The chemical formula of plaster of Paris is CaSO₄.1/2H₂O and the chemical name is calcium sulphate hemihydrate.

Plaster of Paris

• Plaster of Paris Preparation 

Gypsum (CaSO₄.2H₂O) is the basic compound in the manufacturing of Plaster of Paris. At temperature 373 K, when Gypsum is heated it will lose its water molecules and it will appear in the form of calcium sulfate (Plaster of Paris).

CaSO₄.2H₂O → CaSO4.1/2H₂O + 3/2H₂O

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Things to Remember

• The chemical name of baking soda is sodium bicarbonate.
• Sodium Bicarbonate is the composition of four compounds carbon, sodium, oxygen, and hydrogen.
• The recrystallization process of sodium carbonate gives washing soda
• Plaster of Paris can be obtained by heating the gypsum
• The chemical formula of Plaster of Paris is CaSO₄.1/2H₂O
• The chemical formula of washing soda is Na₂CO₃.10H₂O
• The chemical formula of baking soda is NaHCO₃

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