Natriumbicarbonat

Natriumbicarbonat, known in English as sodium bicarbonate, is a white crystalline or powdery compound with the chemical formula NaHCO3. It is a weak base that dissolves in water to form an mildly alkaline solution and releases carbon dioxide when reacting with acids. Upon heating, it decomposes to form sodium carbonate, water, and carbon dioxide.

Industrial and laboratory production typically involves the controlled reaction of carbon dioxide with sodium hydroxide or the partial conversion of sodium carbonate solutions to precipitate sodium bicarbonate, which is then filtered and dried. In industrial settings, it can be produced as a byproduct of the ammonia-soda process or through related carbonization steps.

Sodium bicarbonate has a wide range of uses. In food and baking, it acts as a leavening agent and acidity regulator (often labeled as an additive such as E500). It is also used as an antacid to relieve heartburn and indigestion, and as a buffering agent in various chemical processes. In cleaning, it serves as a mild abrasive and deodorizer, effective against odors and some stains. It is employed in water treatment, cosmetics, and as a fire-suppressing ingredient in certain dry chemical extinguishers.

Safety and handling are generally straightforward: it is considered low-toxicity and widely used in food and health contexts. As with many bases, it should be kept away from strong acids in concentrated form, where it can release carbon dioxide rapidly, and stored in a dry, sealed container to prevent clumping.