Sodium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate, also known as sodium hydrogen carbonate, baking soda, bicarb, or bicarbonate of soda is a chemical compound with the chemical formula NaHCO₃. The elements within it are sodium, hydrogen, carbon, oxygen. It is a white crystalline powder.

Sodium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate chemical structure

Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid. It is sometimes used to relieve acid indigestion, a sickness caused by lots of acid in one's stomach. This was usually done by mixing sodium bicarbonate with water and drinking it. When there is too much acid, it causes heartburn, an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach. It reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas. It also reacts with bases to reduce their harmful effects.

When sodium bicarbonate is heated, it releases carbon dioxide and water vapor (gas) and turns into sodium carbonate.

The balanced chemical equation is:

2 NaHCO₃ —> Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂

Baking soda is rarely found in the earth. It can be manufactured artificially, though.