Sodium Bi Carbonate
Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda | NaHCO₃)
Sodium Bicarbonate, commonly known as Baking Soda, is a white crystalline powder with the chemical formula NaHCO₃. It is a mildly alkaline compound widely used across industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, detergents, and fire extinguishers. Due to its versatile properties—buffering capacity, pH regulation, and gentle reactivity—it serves as both a functional ingredient and an essential raw material in numerous industrial and consumer applications.
Product Specifications (Typical Industrial/Food Grade)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Purity (as NaHCO₃) | ≥ 99.0% |
| pH (1% solution) | 8.2 – 8.4 |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.20% |
| Chloride (as Cl⁻) | ≤ 0.4% |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1 ppm (food/pharma grade) |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 5 ppm |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 30 ppm |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 0.20% |
| Solubility in water | Completely soluble |
| Bulk density | 0.9 – 1.2 g/cm³ (varies with grade) |
Grades Available:
- Technical Grade (for industrial use)
- Food Grade (FCC compliant)
- Pharmaceutical Grade (BP/USP)
- Animal Feed Grade
Key Features & Properties
- Mild Alkalinity – With a pH around 8.3, it acts as a gentle pH buffer, neutralizing acids without causing harsh reactions.
- Thermal Decomposition – Releases CO₂ upon heating, making it ideal for leavening and fire-suppression applications.
- Non-toxic and Eco-Friendly – Safe for consumption (in food grade form) and environmentally friendly.
- Highly Soluble – Dissolves easily in water, ensuring uniform dispersion in formulations.
- Stable Under Dry Conditions – Shelf-stable and long-lasting when stored in a dry environment.
- Abrasion-Free – Used in gentle cleaning formulations and toothpaste due to its soft crystal structure.
Benefits & Advantages
- Safe for Food and Pharmaceutical Use – Meets international food safety and pharmacopeial standards.
- Cost-Effective Buffering Agent – Used in formulations requiring pH control without strong alkalinity.
- Environmentally Safe – Decomposes into harmless sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide, and water.
- Versatile Applications – Applicable across a broad range of industries from healthcare to cleaning products.
- Fire Safety Utility – Effective in Class B & C fire extinguishers as it releases CO₂ to smother flames.
- Natural Deodorizer – Neutralizes acidic odor molecules, making it effective in cleaning and air-freshening products.
Applications & Use Cases
Food Industry
- Leavening agent in bakery products (reacts with acids to release CO₂).
- Effervescent drinks and powders.
- Acidity regulator and pH buffer in processed foods.
Pharmaceuticals
- Antacid for heartburn relief.
- Ingredient in effervescent tablets.
- Used in dialysis solutions.
Industrial Applications
- Flue gas treatment and emission control.
- pH adjustment in water treatment and chemical processes.
- Detergents and cleaning agents.
Fire Extinguishers
- Primary ingredient in dry chemical fire extinguishers for Class B and C fires.
Household Uses
- Cleaning agent, fabric freshener, deodorizer.
- Mild abrasive in toothpaste and scrubs.
Animal Feed
- Used as a buffer to stabilize pH in animal digestive systems.
- Enhances livestock feed efficiency.
Summary
Sodium Bicarbonate is a high-performance, multi-functional compound that delivers value across food, pharma, water treatment, industrial, and domestic sectors. Its safety, environmental friendliness, gentle alkalinity, and reliable performance make it a staple chemical in both consumer and industrial markets. Whether it's leavening a loaf of bread, treating a fire, or stabilizing pH in a chemical reaction, sodium bicarbonate is an indispensable resource.