bikarbonatet

Bikarbonatet, commonly referred to as sodium bicarbonate, is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. It is a white, crystalline solid that dissolves in water to give an mildly alkaline solution. In solution its pH is around 8.3, and it acts as a buffering agent in various applications. The term can also refer to bicarbonate salts in general, but sodium bicarbonate is the most widely used.

Sodium bicarbonate occurs naturally as the mineral nahcolite and is also produced industrially. Industrial production typically involves the reaction of sodium carbonate (soda ash) with carbon dioxide and water to form sodium bicarbonate, which is then purified. It can decompose upon heating to sodium carbonate, water, and carbon dioxide.

The most common use of bakarbonatet is as a leavening agent in baking. When heated or when mixed with an acid, it releases carbon dioxide, causing doughs and batters to rise. It is also used as an antacid to relieve heartburn and indigestion, and as a gentle cleaning agent and odor neutralizer in households. In the food industry it can act as a buffering agent and anticaking agent. Other applications include water treatment to adjust alkalinity, pool chemistry maintenance, agricultural soil pH buffering, and use in certain fire extinguishers and personal care products.

Safety and environmental aspects are generally favorable at typical exposure levels. It is considered low-toxicity, though excessive ingestion can cause metabolic disturbances and high sodium intake should be avoided by individuals with certain medical conditions. It is widely available as a consumer commodity and industrial feedstock.