
Sodium bicarbonate, or sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3), is a versatile substance. This white, crystalline substance belongs to the sodium salts of carbonic acid. In everyday life, we know it as baking soda, baking soda or baking soda.
Baking soda is an all-rounder in the household, personal hygiene and medicine. It neutralizes acids and absorbs odours, making it a popular cleaning agent. In the kitchen, it ensures airy doughs.
In Europe, baking soda is usually obtained from soda using the Solvay process. There are various levels of purity, from technical to analytical grade. This allows it to be used in many areas, from industry to pharmacy.
Key findings
- Baking soda is a versatile sodium salt of carbonic acid
- It is used in household, personal care and medicine
- Baking soda neutralizes acids and absorbs odours
- There are different levels of purity for different applications
- In Europe, baking soda is mainly produced using the Solvay process
What is baking soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile substance. It has the chemical formula NaHCO3 and is a white, crystalline powder. In nature, it occurs as the mineral nahcolite.
In 2007, around 93,440 tons of sodium bicarbonate were mined in Colorado. This shows the economic importance of this substance.
Chemical composition and properties
Sodium bicarbonate has a molar mass of 84.01 g-mol-1. Its density is 2.22 g-cm-3 at 20 °C. It dissolves well in water. It dissolves well in water.
At 20 °C, 93.4 g of sodium bicarbonate can be dissolved in one liter of water. The pKS value of sodium bicarbonate is 10.33.
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Difference between baking soda and soda ash
Baking soda is often confused with soda ash. Soda, also known as sodium carbonate, has the formula Na2CO3. Compared to baking soda, soda is more alkaline and less versatile.
Soda ash is another name for baking soda, not soda. This is important to know to avoid confusion.
Quality levels and degrees of purity
There are four degrees of purity of sodium bicarbonate:
- Technical grade for industrial purposes
- Food grade for use in foodstuffs
- Pharmaceutical grade for medical applications
- Analytical grade for research purposes
The purer the sodium bicarbonate, the more diverse its applications. It is often used in food technology. It is an important component of baking powders and sherbet powders.
Versatile applications in everyday life
Baking soda is a real miracle cure for the household. It has over 85 different applications. From cleaning to body care – baking soda is a natural alternative to conventional products.
Natural cleaning in the household
Baking soda is ideal for cleaning surfaces, floors and ovens. For ovens, mix 4 tablespoons of water with 4 tablespoons of baking soda.
Kaiser baking soda helps with stubborn dirt without microplastics. For carpet stains, we recommend a paste made from 1 tablespoon of baking soda in 1 liter of warm water.
Body care and cosmetics
Baking soda can be used in many ways in body care. A DIY deodorant is made from 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda in 100 ml of water.
For dry shampoo, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of starch. For dental care, put a pinch of baking soda on your toothbrush.
You can make a refreshing mouthwash by dissolving 2 teaspoons of baking soda in 500 ml of water.
Use in cooking and baking
Baking soda, also known as baking powder, is a popular leavening agent. It ensures fluffy baked goods by releasing carbon dioxide.
It also helps with heartburn. This leads to an increasing demand for products such as “Bullrich Salt”.
Odour neutralization and care
Baking soda effectively eliminates unpleasant odors. A bowl of baking soda in the fridge or in shoes reliably absorbs odors.
In combination with vinegar or lemon juice, it serves as an effective descaler for household appliances.
Area of application | How to use | Effect |
---|---|---|
Cleaning surfaces | Surfaces, floors, ovens | Natural cleaning without chemicals |
Body care | Deodorant, dry shampoo, dental care | Natural care without additives |
Baking | Leavening agent | Loose dough consistency |
Odour neutralization | Refrigerator, shoes, carpets | Effective odor removal |
Conclusion
Baking soda is a real all-rounder in the household. It offers an environmentally friendly alternative to many chemical products. From cleaning to body care, baking soda is convincing all along the line.
The mixture of sodium and bicarbonate enables many applications. In the kitchen, it is used as a leavening agent. In the bathroom, it reduces plaque and cares for the skin.
Bicarbonate of soda can even help with heartburn. It reduces the need for disposable products and chemical cleaners. This is good for the environment and your wallet.
When used correctly, baking soda is effective and harmless to health. Discover the many possibilities of this amazing substance for yourself! It’s worth incorporating baking soda into your everyday life.