It is defined as a crystalline and solid compound of white hue, it is soluble in water, it has a slight alkaline taste similar to sodium carbonate but with more salt and less strength than that. Its formula is NaHCO3. It can be found in mineral form in nature and can also be created artificially.
When presented moderately against strong acid, it breaks down to form water and carbon dioxide creating a characteristic effervescence. Due to this compound’s ability to release carbon dioxide, it is used along with other acidic compounds as a leavening additive in the creation of soft drinks and in baking.
Some bread yeasts contain sodium bicarbonate. In ancient times, it was used as a source of carbon dioxide for the soft drink Coca Cola. It is currently an important component of fire extinguishing powders. It is also used to make caramel candies and dulce de leche, which gives the typical brownish hue and consistency to the candy.
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Uses of Baking Soda
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excellent stain remover
Mixing baking soda with hot water removes old and new stains from upholstery, carpets and furniture. You can also add a small amount of detergent to soften and shine clothes.
eliminates bad odors
Bad odors can be eliminated by using a bowl of baking soda inside the refrigerator. Baking soda is also used to remove cigarette smell from ashtrays. Likewise, it can be used as a cheap and effective deodorant and to eliminate bad foot odor.
plant care
Using chemicals for plant care is usually a bad option, which is why baking soda is a great eco-friendly solution. This can be used mixed with a small spoonful of coffee in a liter of water, this mixture is spread on the plants.
It can also be used to extend the life of centerpieces by cutting the stems at an angle, placing them in warm water and adding a small tablespoon of baking soda.
like bleach
Baking soda is used for whitening and is usually a common ingredient in toothpastes. This is used by adding a little baking soda to the toothbrush. It also destroys oral bacteria and fights bad breath.
fight heartburn
Bicarbonate relieves nausea and allows light bowel movement when ingested with water.
It is a natural exfoliator
Baking soda can replace available scrubs as it removes dead skin cells and deeply cleanses the skin. For this, a baking soda paste is made and delicately placed on the skin to disinfect it and prevent the appearance of blackheads.
Eliminates itching
In case of dermatitis, chickenpox or having been bitten by an insect; baking soda is a great option. This can be used as a substitute for bath soap with 100 grams and can also be sprinkled on affected parts to eliminate itching.
sanitize vegetables
A little baking soda is added to vegetables and fruits immersed in the sink. When these are consumed in food, they will have no impurities.
Precautions with baking soda
- Baking soda should not be taken with milk or any other dairy product.
- It should not be taken for more than a week as it can cause systemic alkalosis.
- It should not be taken more than twice a day.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- People with kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart or liver problems. Nor those who follow diuretic treatments or low-sodium diets.
- It cannot be consumed by people allergic to sodium bicarbonate, who suffer from respiratory or metabolic alkalosis, hypochlorhydria, hypocalcemia or who suffer from the formation of appendicitis, edema and intestinal obstruction.
- Children under 12 years old.
Electron configuration of sodium bicarbonate
The sodium bicarbonate molecule has its chemical nomenclature which is written NaHCO₃. In this structure, the elements hydrogen, sodium, oxygen and carbon are distinguished.
