What is the Chemical name of Baking Soda?

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Baking Soda is a white powder with crystalline grains. It is popularly called cooking soda. The chemical formula of Baking Soda is NaHCO3 ( sodium bicarbonate). It is a chemical salt with wide array of uses. Baking Soda has a mild alkaline taste similar to washing soda (sodium carbonate). Natural mineral form of Baking Soda is called nahcolite, often found dissolved in geysers and springs. It is often used as food tenderizer and leavening agent. Due to its ability to neutralize acidic molecules, Baking Soda is also used as deodorizing agent. In launderettes, Baking Soda is used to stabilize the pH level of the water and enhance detergent’s washing effectiveness. Baking Soda is often confused with baking powder. Baking Soda is pure bicarbonate of soda  but  baking powder is made from sodium bicarbonate, cream of tartar and starch.

What is the History behind Baking Soda?

Ancient Egyptians were the first to use natron, a natural deposit of sodium bicarbonate. In 1791, French chemist Nicolas Leblanc made artificial sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash. In America, Baking Soda was unavailable till 1839. Later John Dwight and Austin Church established a factory in New York  to make Baking Soda utilizing sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide.

How is Baking Soda made commercially?

Baking Soda is usually made from soda-ash. In earlier days, the Leblanc process was quite popular. Later, Solvay Method developed by Ernest Solvay gained popularity. The Solvay process is described below:

1. Carbon dioxide is produced by calcination of the limestone at a high temperature (950 -1100 °C) : CaCO3 → CO2 ( carbon dioxide) + CaO 
2. Carbon dioxide and ammonia is fused into a thick concentrate of sodium chloride. The reaction gives birth to sodium bicarbonate : NaCl + CO2 + NH3 + H2O → NaHCO3( sodium bicarbonate) + NH4Cl
3. On heating sodium bicarbonate at 160 - 230°C, it gets transformed into sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). Water and carbon dioxide are the byproducts of the reaction. 2 NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2 

•  Baking Soda is also isolated by the thermal decomposition of natural trona ore. The ore is dissolved in a mixture of water and carbon dioxide. Solid crystals of sodium bicarbonate precipitate as the end-product: Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O → 2 NaHCO3

How is Baking Soda used as a Cleaner?

Cleaning and Extinguishing Uses : Baking Soda is used to remove oil and grease stains from clothes and utensils.

• It is used to deodorize kitchen appliances as it can absorb bad odors.
• Baking Soda is an excellent fire extinguisher and used to put out small electrical or grease fires.
• Sodium bicarbonate sprinkled at homes prohibit insects and bugs to crawl in. Baking Soda irritates insects’ exoskeleton and thus they avoid the chemical.
• Silverware can be polished with dry Baking Soda.
• Baking Soda perfectly cleans furniture, cars, floors, ovens, and dishwashers.
• It is often used to remove battery acid corrosion and rusts.
• Baking Soda mixed with water, soda, and cornstarch are used to make play clay. It can be used to deodorize pet items and garbage disposals.
  
   

Why is Baking Soda used in Cooking?

Culinary Uses : Baking Soda is used as a leavening agent in baking recipes. It adds crispiness to fried foods. It is added to tomato sauce, beans and coffee to decrease acidity. Cooking Soda is used as a substitute for baking powder. Baking Soda is often used as vegetable and meat tenderizer. 

What are the Medicinal Uses of Baking Soda?

Baking Soda is alkaline in nature and hence can used to reduce acidity. Add about 1/2 tsp - 1teaspoon of baking soda to water and drink it preferably after an hour or two of eating as you don't want  to mess with your digestion during which time the stomach has to be acidic to aid in the digestion process. Sodium bicarbonate paste or poultice reduces the pain caused by bee and bug stings. Lukewarm Baking Soda bath soothes sunburn and skin irritations caused by chicken pox and measles. It can be used as an exfoliant  on the skin as well and can help with acne. 

What are the Cosmetic Uses of Baking Soda?

Baking Soda whitens teeth due to its mild abrasive agent property.

•  It can be used as a refreshing body and facial exfoliator. Baking Soda used with regular shampoo gives a cleaner scalp and makes hair more manageable.
• Sodium hydrogen carbonate can be used as an underarm deodorant.
• Baking Soda can be mixed with bath water to soften skin.

What are the Side-effects of Baking Soda?

Baking Soda is useful in many ways but must not be used in excess. 

• Baking Soda can increase blood pressure and contribute to loss of appetite.
• It can cause frequent urination followed with severe nausea and vomiting.
• Over-consumption of Cooking Soda causes mood swings and muscle cramps. 
• Patients on low-sodium diet must avoid Baking Soda.

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