Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate Formula: Definition, Properties & Uses

Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate Formula: Sodium hydrogen carbonate is commonly referred to as hydrogen carbonate or sodium bicarbonate. Another common name of sodium hydrogen carbonate is baking soda or bicarbonate of soda. We are familiar with sodium hydrogen carbonate (more commonly known as baking soda), \({\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3}.\) It is an important compound of sodium. It is also known as sodium bicarbonate.

It is a white crystalline solid. The other names of sodium hydrogen carbonate are bicarbonate of soda, bread soda, cooking soda, etc. In this article, we are going to learn more about sodium hydrogen carbonate. Continue reading to know more.

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Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate: Chemical Formula

Sodium hydrogen carbonate is an alkali metal bicarbonate. Its chemical formula is \({\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3}.\) It contains a sodium \(\left({{\text{N}}{{\text{a}}^ + }} \right)\) ion and a bicarbonate \(\left({{\text{HC}}{{\text{O}}_3}^ – } \right)\) ion. It is a salt and is considered as an ionic compound.

The structure of sodium hydrogen carbonate can be given as,

CLEAR YOUR CONCEPTUAL DOUBTS ON SODIUM HYDROGEN CARBONATE

or

In sodium hydrogen carbonate, the bond formed between the positively charged sodium ion and the negatively charged oxygen is an ionic bond. In sodium hydrogen carbonate, the oxidation state of sodium is \( + 1.\)

The molar mass or the molecular weight of sodium hydrogen carbonate is approximately equal to \(84.007\,{\text{g}}/{\text{mol}}.\)

Examples of Preparation & Properties Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate: Preperations

Let us see how sodium hydrogen carbonate can be prepared in the laboratory.

Sodium hydrogen carbonate \(\left({{\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3}} \right)\) can be prepared in the laboratory by treating carbon dioxide \(\left({{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_2}} \right)\) gas with a solution of sodium carbonate \(\left({{\text{N}}{{\text{a}}_2}{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_3}} \right).\) The chemical equation for the reaction can be given as,

\({\text{N}}{{\text{a}}_2}{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_3} + {{\text{H}}_2}{\text{O}} + {\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_2} \to 2{\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3}\)

The correct procedure for the above preparation method can be given as,

Procedure: Approximate \(5\,{\text{g}}\) of sodium carbonate should be dissolved in \(25\,{\text{mL}}\) of distilled water in a beaker. Now, the solution should be cooled. After that, carbon dioxide gas is passed through the solution. As a result of this process, the crystals of sodium hydrogen carbonate are obtained. These crystals can be easily filtered and separated out.

Sodium hydrogen carbonate can also be obtained as an intermediate product in the Solvay’s ammonia soda process which is used for the manufacture of sodium carbonate \(\left( {{\text{N}}{{\text{a}}_2}{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_3}} \right).\) That is, it is produced as an intermediate product during the reaction of the cold and concentrated solution of sodium chloride \(\left({{\text{NaCl}}} \right)\) and ammonia \({\text{N}}{{\text{H}}_3}\) with carbon dioxide. The chemical equation for the reaction can be given as,

\({\text{NaCl}} + {\text{N}}{{\text{H}}_3} + {\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_2} + {{\text{H}}_2}{\text{O}} \to {\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3} + {\text{N}}{{\text{H}}_4}{\text{Cl}}\)

Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate: Properties

Let us discuss the physical and chemical properties of sodium hydrogen carbonate.

Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate: Physical Properties

Sodium hydrogen carbonate is a white crystalline solid, but it often appears as fine powder.  Sodium hydrogen carbonate is not soluble in ethanol. It is sparingly soluble in water. It has a slight salty alkaline taste which resembles the taste of washing soda.

Chemical Properties of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate

1. Hydrolysis of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate

Sodium hydrogen carbonate, on hydrolysis, forms an alkaline solution. That is,

\(2{\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3} + {{\text{H}}_2}{\text{O}} \leftrightarrow {\text{NaOH}} + {{\text{H}}_2}{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_3}\)

The \({\text{NaOH}}\) formed in the above reaction is a strong base which ionises completely in solution to give a large excess of hydroxyl \(\left({{\text{O}}{{\text{H}}^ – }} \right)\) ions due to which the solution is alkaline in nature.

The aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate gives yellow colour with methyl orange but no colour with phenolphthalein. This shows that, the solution is weakly basic in nature.

2. Dissociation of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate

Sodium hydrogen carbonate, upon dissociation in water gives sodium \(\left({{\text{N}}{{\text{a}}^ + }} \right)\) and bicarbonate \(\left({{\text{HC}}{{\text{O}}_3}^ – } \right)\) ions. That is,

3. Thermal Decomposition of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate

Sodium hydrogen carbonate, on heating forms sodium carbonate along with the evolution of carbon dioxide \(\left({{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_2}} \right)\) gas. That is,

4. Reaction of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate with Metal Salts

Sodium hydrogen carbonate reacts with metals salts to form normal carbonates. For example, sodium hydrogen carbonate reacts with zinc sulphate salt as,

\({\text{ZnS}}{{\text{O}}_4} + 2{\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3} \to {\text{ZnC}}{{\text{O}}_3} + {\text{N}}{{\text{a}}_2}{\text{S}}{{\text{O}}_4} + {{\text{H}}_2}{\text{O}} + {\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_2}\)

5. Reaction of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate with Acids

Sodium hydrogen carbonate reacts with acids to form salt and water along with the evolution of carbon dioxide gas. For example, sodium hydrogen carbonate reacts with hydrochloric acid as,

\({\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3} + {\text{HCl}} \to {\text{NaCl}} + {{\text{H}}_2}{\text{O}} + {\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_2}\)

Sodium hydrogen carbonate reacts with acetic acid to give sodium acetate, water and carbon dioxide. The chemical equation for the reaction can be given as,

\({\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3} + {\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_3}{\text{COOH}} \to {\text{C}}{{\text{H}}_3}{\text{COONa}} + {{\text{H}}_2}{\text{O}} + {\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_2}\left({\text{g}} \right)\)

During the above reaction, carbonic acid is formed first which then suddenly decomposes to give carbon dioxide and water.

Sodium hydrogen carbonate is generally stable in dry air. It will get decomposed in the moist air.

Learn Everything About Chemical Reactions

Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate: Uses

Sodium hydrogen carbonate has got a large commercial value. It has got many uses. They are:

1. Sodium hydrogen carbonate is used in soda-acid fire extinguishers.
2. Sodium hydrogen carbonate is used as an important component of baking powder. This is because, on heating, the sodium hydrogen carbonate in the baking powder reacts with the potassium hydrogen tartrate present in the baking powder. This results in the evolution of bubbles of carbon dioxide \(\left({{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_2}} \right)\) gas that makes the cake or pastries light and fluffy by making holes in them. That is,

3. It is used as a medicine. That is, it is used as a mild antiseptic for skin infections.
4. It is used as an antacid to neutralize the acidity in the stomach. It is a quick-acting antacid.
5. It is used in making effervescent drinks.
6. It is used in the preservation of butter.
7. It is used as a laboratory reagent.
8. It is used in the treatment of silk and wool.
9. It is used for making Seidlitz powder (a laxative consisting of two powders, tartaric acid and a mixture of sodium hydrogen carbonate and Rochelle salt)

Summary

Sodium hydrogen carbonate or sodium bicarbonate is one of the important compounds of sodium. Sodium hydrogen carbonate is a salt that is commonly known as baking soda as it is used in baking cake or pastries because it helps to make them fluffy. In this article, we have discussed sodium hydrogen carbonate in detail. The preparation, physical and chemical properties and uses of sodium hydrogen carbonate in different fields.

FAQs on Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate Formula

Frequently asked questions related to hydrogen carbonate are listed as follows:

Q1. How is sodium hydrogen carbonate prepared?
Ans: Sodium hydrogen carbonate \(\left({{\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3}} \right)\) can be prepared in the laboratory by treating carbon dioxide \(\left({{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_2}} \right)\) gas with a solution of sodium carbonate \(\left({{\text{N}}{{\text{a}}_2}{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_3}} \right).\) The chemical equation for the reaction can be given as,
\({\text{N}}{{\text{a}}_2}{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_3} + {{\text{H}}_2}{\text{O}} + {\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_2} \to 2{\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3}\)

Q2. What is the chemical formula for sodium hydrogen carbonate?
Ans: The chemical formula of sodium hydrogen carbonate is \({\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3}.\) It is also known as baking soda. It is one of the most important compounds of sodium.

Q3. What does\({\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3},\) dissociate into?
Ans: Sodium hydrogen carbonate \(\left({{\text{NaHC}}{{\text{O}}_3}} \right),\) upon dissociation in water gives sodium \(\left({{\text{N}}{{\text{a}}^ + }} \right)\) and bicarbonate \(\left( {{\text{HC}}{{\text{O}}_3}^ – } \right)\) ions. That is,

Q4. What is the name of \({\text{N}}{{\text{a}}_2}{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_3}\)?
Ans: The chemical name of \({\text{N}}{{\text{a}}_2}{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_3}\) is sodium carbonate. It is commonly known as washing soda. It is one the important compounds of sodium.

Q5. Is sodium carbonate harmful to humans?
Ans: Yes, sodium carbonate is harmful to humans when exposed to it accidentally. That is, accidental inhalation of sodium carbonate can cause severe health effects such as coughing, shortness of breath, respiratory tract irritation, etc.

Q6. Is \({\text{N}}{{\text{a}}_2}{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_3}\) an acid or base?
Ans: Sodium carbonate is a base. This is because the carbonate part of sodium carbonate will get hydrolysed by water to form a basic solution.

Q7. How is \({\text{N}}{{\text{a}}_2}{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_3}\) formed?
Ans: Sodium carbonate is formed by the thermal decomposition of sodium bicarbonate. That is,

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