Sodium Bicarbonate (Bicarbonate of Soda/Baking Soda)

Description

Sodium Bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda, is a white crystalline powder with a slightly salty taste. It is a naturally occurring compound (NaHCO3) widely used for its buffering, neutralising, and leavening properties. Its versatility makes it valuable in a range of industries, including food, personal care, cleaning, and pharmaceuticals.

Benefits

Natural Leavening Agent: Reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide, making it ideal for baking and food preparation.

Neutraliser: Helps maintain pH balance, making it useful for soothing acidic conditions (e.g., heartburn) and in cosmetics.

Odour Control: Effectively neutralises odors by absorbing acidic compounds, making it popular in deodorants, cleaning products, and air fresheners.

Gentle Exfoliant: When used in personal care, it can provide mild exfoliation for the skin.

Uses

Food Industry: Widely used in baking as a leavening agent in cakes, bread, and cookies.

Personal Care Products: Found in toothpaste, deodorants, and exfoliating scrubs due to its gentle abrasive and neutralising properties.

Household Cleaning: Used to clean surfaces, neutralise odours in refrigerators, and as a mild scouring agent for sinks, bathtubs, and countertops.

Health & Wellness: Commonly used as an antacid for relieving heartburn and indigestion or in baths to soothe skin irritation.

Laundry: Enhances cleaning by neutralising odors and softening water.

Physical + Chemical Properties 

Appearance: White crystalline or fine powder.

Odour: Odourless.

Molecular Formula: NaHCO3.

Solubility: Soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol.

pH (1% solution): 8.3.

Melting Point: Decomposes at 270°C (without melting).

Density: Approximately 2.2 g/cm³.

Caution 

Skin Sensitivity: While generally safe, some people may experience skin irritation when used in large quantities or in sensitive areas.

Eye Irritation: Direct contact with the eyes may cause irritation.

Ingestion in Large Quantities: Can cause nausea, bloating, and gas. Consult a physician before use as an antacid if you have kidney issues or are on a sodium-restricted diet.

Environmental Impact: Non-toxic and biodegradable; however, large spills into waterways can affect pH levels.

Stash It Right 

Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed to prevent contamination and maintain product integrity.

Temperature: Ideal storage temperature is between 15 °C and 30 °C (59 °F and 86 °F).