Sodium bicarbonate : Baking soda

Properties

General
Name	Sodium hydrogen carbonate
Chemical formula	NaHCO3
Appearance	White solid
Physical
Formula weight	84.0 amu
Melting point	Decomposes at 543 K (270 °C)
Density	2.2 ×103 kg/m3
Crystal structure	?
Solubility	10.3 g in 100g water
Thermochemistry
ΔfH0solid	-951 kJ/mol
S0solid	102 J/mol·K
Safety
Ingestion	Safe except in very large quantities.
Inhalation	May cause irritation.
Skin	May cause irritation.
Eyes	May cause pain and redness
More info	Hazardous Chemical Database (http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/erd/chemicals/10/9917.html)
SI units were used where possible. Unless otherwise stated, standard conditions were used. Disclaimer and references

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), or sodium hydrogen carbonate, also known as baking soda, is a soluble white anhydrous[?] or crystalline compound, with a slight alkaline taste resembling that of sodium carbonate. It is found in many mineral springs and also produced artificially.

It is also used as an antacid to treat acid indigestion[?] and heartburn. The anhydrous form is also used to absorb moisture and odours—a box can be left in the refrigerator for this purpose.

Sodium bicarbonate, when exposed to a moderately strong acid, releases carbon dioxide:

• NaHCO₃ + HCl → NaCl + H₂O + CO₂ (gas)
• NaHCO₃ + CH₃COOH → CH₃COONa[?] + H₂O + CO₂ (gas)

It is used in combination with acidic compounds as a leavening agent in baking: some forms of baking powder contain sodium bicarbonate. Formerly, it was used as a source of carbon dioxide for soda water.

See also: baking powder, sodium carbonate, list of minerals