Bicarbonát

Bicarbonát is a common term for sodium bicarbonate, a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. It is an amphoteric salt, meaning it can react as either an acid or a base. In its solid form, it is a white crystalline powder, but it is also soluble in water. Sodium bicarbonate is naturally occurring, though it is often produced synthetically.

Historically, bicarbonate was extracted from the mineral nahcolite. Today, it is primarily manufactured through the Solvay process. This industrial method involves reacting brine (a concentrated salt solution) with ammonia and carbon dioxide to produce sodium bicarbonate and ammonium chloride.

Sodium bicarbonate has a wide range of applications. In cooking, it is a leavening agent, reacting with acidic ingredients to produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes doughs and batters to rise. It is also used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn. In household cleaning, its mild abrasive properties make it effective for scrubbing surfaces and deodorizing. It can also be used in personal care products like toothpaste and bath bombs. In industry, it finds use in fire extinguishers and in flue gas treatment to remove acidic gases.