Sodium Carbonate Introduction (Molecule substances) · Sodium bicarbonate ✓ Solved

Sodium bicarbonate is also known as baking soda. Its IUPAC name is sodium hydrogen carbonate. It is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. It is a white solid that is seen as crystalline though always seen as a fine powder. The molecule has a mineral compound natron and is found in various mineral springs.

Sodium bicarbonate was initially discovered by French chemist Nicolas Leblanc in 1791. In 1846, two American bakers, John Dwight and Austin Church, contributed to its commercial production. In 1919, a U.S. senator declared that bicarbonate of soda could cure certain ailments. Sodium bicarbonate also played a role during the Manhattan Project in the early 1940s when the chemical toxicity of uranium was addressed, as uranium oxides were found to stick very well to cotton cloth.

Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid with a fine texture in powder form. Its integral enthalpy of solution of sodium carbonate is -28.1 kJ/mol for a 10% w/w aqueous solution. It occurs in arid areas and its dry deposits are mined from lake regions. At room temperature, it appears as a solid and is soluble in water, allowing it to be separated from water through evaporation.

Chemically, sodium bicarbonate is a substance that can change its chemical composition. It is alkaline and while it is essentially a white compound, it is also characterized by an absence of odor. It is solid at room temperature, crystalline, and a component of various minerals.

Sodium bicarbonate has various practical uses. It is utilized in the Solvay process for making sodium. Additionally, it serves as a cleaning agent for domestic purposes and is effective in eliminating both temporary and permanent hardness of water. It plays a crucial role in the manufacturing processes of glass, soap, and paper, and is used as a food additive.

In terms of benefits and harm to society, sodium bicarbonate aids in cooking as baking soda and is employed as a fungicide and pest control. While it is generally safe, it can produce long snake-like ash as a combustion product. Its weak disinfectant features may allow it to be an effective fungicide against certain organisms, and it is capable of extinguishing small grease fires. Moreover, it can neutralize acids due to its spontaneous reaction with them.

In conclusion, sodium bicarbonate is a versatile chemical compound with a rich history, discoveries, and several applications. It is significant in cleaning, cooking, and industrial processes, showcasing both benefits and potential drawbacks in its utilization.

References

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