Definition and Areas of Use :
Sodium bicarbonate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula NaHCO3. It is one of the sodium salts. It has an anti-acid property. It is also used as baking powder. It is soluble in water. It is a white solid crystal powder. It has a slightly alkaline taste resembling sodium carbonate. Baking powder used to leaven dough is usually a combination of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), dry acid (H+) and corn starch. Sodium bicarbonate is commonly known as baking soda. In the following article, the word baking soda will be used instead of sodium bicarbonate. Under the influence of temperature (50 °C and above), water (H2O) and acid, the baking soda in the baking powder is separated into several components. During this process, carbon dioxide (CO2) gas is released, gas bubbles are formed and thus the dough expands.
The chemical reaction is as follows: NaHCO3 + H+ ———> Na+ + CO2 + H2
Baking soda does not only leaven the dough; To easily clean a burnt pot, burnt baking sheet, etc.: For example, fill the pot with water to a thickness of one finger; add a packet of baking powder (or baking soda) and boil for 10 minutes. The burnt food residue will dissolve immediately. Stains on teapots, thermoses and flower vases can be easily removed with a mixture of boiled water and baking soda.