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Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, Monosodium Carbonate, Baking Soda, Bread Soda, Cooking Soda, E500, 144-55-8

Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, Monosodium Carbonate, Baking Soda, Bread Soda, Cooking Soda, E500, 144-55-8

SODIUM BICARBONATE (NaHCO₃, E500)

1. Chemical Identity and Material Classification

  • Chemical Name: Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, Monosodium Carbonate

  • Synonyms: Baking Soda, Bread Soda, Cooking Soda, Bicarbonate of Soda, Sodium Acid Carbonate, Monosodium Hydrogen Carbonate

  • CAS Number: 144-55-8

  • EC Number (EINECS): 205-633-8

  • Molecular Formula: NaHCO₃

  • Molecular Weight: 84.01 g/mol

  • E Number: E500 (food additive)

  • Chemical Class: Inorganic salt (weakly alkaline)

  • HS Code: 2836.30

  • UN Number: Not regulated (non-hazardous for transport)

2. Physical Properties

2.1 General Physical Properties

Property Value
Appearance White, odorless, crystalline powder or fine granules
Physical state (20°C) Solid (crystalline)
Odor Odorless
Taste Slightly alkaline, saline (baking soda taste)
Density (20°C) 2.20–2.21 g/cm³
Bulk density (typical) 0.8–1.1 g/cm³ (powder); 0.7–0.9 g/cm³ (granular)
Melting point 50°C (begins to decompose – does not melt)
Decomposition temperature 50–270°C → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂
Boiling point Decomposes before boiling
Flash point Non-flammable
Vapor pressure Negligible
Refractive index (nD20) 1.500
Specific gravity 2.20

2.2 Solubility in Water

Temperature (°C) Solubility (g/100 mL water)
0°C 7.0
10°C 8.1
20°C 9.6
25°C 10.0
30°C 11.1
40°C 12.7
50°C 14.8
60°C 16.4
80°C 20.1
100°C 23.6

2.3 Solubility in Other Solvents

Solvent Solubility
Ethanol Insoluble
Methanol Very slightly soluble
Acetone Insoluble
Water Soluble (as above)

2.4 Aqueous Solution Properties

Parameter Value
pH (1% solution, 20°C) 8.0–8.5 (weakly alkaline)
pH (5% solution, 20°C) 8.3–8.5
pH (saturated solution, 20°C) ~8.3
Heat of solution Endothermic (cools water)
Buffering capacity Excellent at pH 8.0–8.5

3. Chemical Properties

3.1 Molecular Structure

Structure: Na⁺ HCO₃⁻

  • Ionic crystal (sodium cation, bicarbonate anion)

  • Bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻) is weakly acidic/basic (amphoteric)

  • Decomposes upon heating to sodium carbonate, water, and carbon dioxide

3.2 Thermal Decomposition

Temperature Reaction Products
50–100°C Begins slow decomposition Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂
100–150°C Accelerated decomposition Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂
150–270°C Rapid decomposition Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂
>270°C Complete decomposition Na₂CO₃ (sodium carbonate)

Net reaction: 2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂↑

3.3 Chemical Reactivity

Reaction Description
With acids NaHCO₃ + H⁺ → Na⁺ + H₂O + CO₂↑ (effervescence – carbon dioxide gas)
With bases (strong alkalis) HCO₃⁻ + OH⁻ → CO₃²⁻ + H₂O (forms carbonate)
With metal salts May form metal carbonates or basic carbonates
With heat Decomposes to sodium carbonate (as above)

3.4 Acid-Base Behavior

HCO₃⁻ ⇌ H⁺ + CO₃²⁻ (pKa₂ ≈ 10.3)
HCO₃⁻ + H⁺ ⇌ H₂CO₃ ⇌ H₂O + CO₂↑ (pKa₁ ≈ 6.3)

  • Bicarbonate ion acts as a buffer at pH 8.0–8.5

  • Neutralizes both acids (via CO₂ evolution) and bases (by conversion to carbonate)

3.5 Stability

Parameter Behavior
Stability in dry air Stable indefinitely
Stability in moist air Slowly decomposes to sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃)
Hydroscopicity Low (non-hygroscopic)
Light sensitivity Stable
Thermal stability Decomposes above 50°C

3.6 Incompatibilities

Substance Hazard
Strong acids (H₂SO₄, HCl, HNO₃) Violent reaction, CO₂ evolution (effervescence)
Strong bases Reaction to form carbonate
Aluminum (finely divided) Reaction in presence of moisture
Copper salts May form basic copper carbonate

4. Quality Specifications

4.1 Food Grade (FCC / E500)

Parameter Specification Test Method
Assay (NaHCO₃, dried basis) 99.0–100.5% Titration
Loss on drying (105°C) ≤ 0.25% Gravimetric
Chlorides (Cl) ≤ 0.05% Turbidimetric
Sulfates (SO₄) ≤ 0.05% Turbidimetric
Heavy metals (as Pb) ≤ 10 ppm Colorimetric
Arsenic (As) ≤ 3 ppm Atomic absorption
Iron (Fe) ≤ 20 ppm Colorimetric
Calcium (Ca) ≤ 100 ppm Atomic absorption
Insoluble matter ≤ 0.05% Gravimetric
pH (1% solution) 8.0–8.5 pH meter
Appearance White crystalline powder Visual

4.2 Pharmaceutical Grade (USP / Ph. Eur.)

Parameter Specification
Assay (NaHCO₃, dried basis) 99.0–100.5%
Loss on drying (105°C) ≤ 0.25%
Chlorides (Cl) ≤ 0.05%
Sulfates (SO₄) ≤ 0.05%
Heavy metals (as Pb) ≤ 10 ppm
Lead (Pb) ≤ 2 mg/kg
Arsenic (As) ≤ 3 mg/kg
Carbonate (as Na₂CO₃) ≤ 0.5%
Insoluble matter ≤ 0.05%
pH (1% solution) 8.0–8.5

4.3 Technical / Industrial Grade

Parameter Specification
NaHCO₃ content ≥ 99.0%
Na₂CO₃ content ≤ 0.5%
Chlorides (Cl) ≤ 0.1%
Iron (Fe) ≤ 50 ppm
Insoluble matter ≤ 0.1%
Moisture ≤ 0.2%
Particle size As specified (fine powder to coarse granules)

5. Production Methods

5.1 Solvay Process (Industrial Standard)

Reaction sequence:

  1. NaCl + NH₃ + CO₂ + H₂O → NaHCO₃↓ + NH₄Cl

  2. 2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂↑ (calcination – when soda ash is desired)

Process:

  • Brine (NaCl solution) saturated with ammonia

  • Carbon dioxide passed through ammoniated brine

  • Sodium bicarbonate precipitates (less soluble than sodium carbonate)

  • Filtered, washed, dried

Purity: 99.0–99.8%

5.2 Carbonation of Sodium Carbonate

Reaction: Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂ → 2NaHCO₃

Process:

  • Sodium carbonate solution is carbonated with CO₂ under pressure

  • Crystallization yields sodium bicarbonate

Purity: Very high (food/pharmaceutical grade)

5.3 Natural Sources (Trona Mining)

Source: Natural trona ore (Na₂CO₃·NaHCO₃·2H₂O)

Process: Ore mining → crushing → dissolution → carbonation → crystallization

6. Mechanism of Action

6.1 Acid Neutralization (Antacid)

Reaction in stomach: NaHCO₃ + HCl → NaCl + H₂O + CO₂↑

  • Rapid neutralization of gastric acid

  • Provides quick relief from heartburn and indigestion

  • CO₂ release may cause belching

6.2 Leavening Agent (Baking)

Reaction with acid (e.g., cream of tartar, lactic acid, buttermilk):

NaHCO₃ + H⁺ (from acid) → Na⁺ + H₂O + CO₂↑

  • Carbon dioxide gas produces bubbles in dough/batter

  • Causes baked goods to rise (bread, cakes, cookies)

6.3 pH Buffering

  • Maintains pH 8.0–8.5 in aqueous solutions

  • Used as a buffer in biological systems (blood, cell culture)

  • Resists pH change upon addition of acid or base

6.4 Flue Gas Desulfurization (SO₂ Removal)

Reaction: 2NaHCO₃ + SO₂ + ½O₂ → Na₂SO₄ + H₂O + 2CO₂↑

  • Dry sorbent injection for SO₂ removal from flue gases

  • Effective at temperatures >300°C (572°F)

7. Industrial Applications

7.1 Food Industry (E500) – Largest Application

Application Function Typical Concentration
Leavening agent (baking powder) CO₂ release for dough rising 10–30% of baking powder
Antacid (effervescent tablets) Neutralizes stomach acid 300–500 mg/tablet
pH regulator in soft drinks Controls acidity 0.05–0.5%
Meat and poultry processing Tenderizer, pH adjuster 0.1–1%
Dairy products pH adjuster 0.05–0.5%
Cocoa processing Alkalization 0.5–2%
Wine and juice Acid reduction 0.1–0.5 g/L

Food additive status: E500 – GRAS (FDA), permitted worldwide

7.2 Pharmaceutical Applications

Application Function Typical Dosage
Antacid (heartburn, indigestion) Neutralizes gastric acid 300–1,000 mg
Effervescent tablets CO₂ source (with acid) 500–2,000 mg
Electrolyte replacement IV solution (metabolic acidosis) Variable
Dialysis solutions Bicarbonate source Variable
Oral rehydration salts Electrolyte source Variable
Urinary alkalinizer Raises urine pH (cystitis, UTIs) 1–5 g/day

7.3 Baking Powder (Combination with Acid)

Acid Component Typical Ratio (NaHCO₃:Acid)
Cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate) 1:1
Monocalcium phosphate (MCP) 2:1
Sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP) 1:1
Sodium aluminum sulfate (SAS) 1:1

7.4 Water Treatment

Application Function Typical Dosage
pH adjustment Raises pH of acidic water 10–200 mg/L
Alkalinity adjustment Increases total alkalinity 10–100 mg/L
Swimming pools Raises pH (counteracts acidic chlorine) 10–50 mg/L
Boiler water treatment pH control 10–100 mg/L

7.5 Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD)

Parameter Value
Application Dry sorbent injection for SO₂ removal
Operating temperature 300–400°C (572–752°F)
SO₂ removal efficiency 70–95%
By-product Sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄)
Typical dosage 1–5 kg per kg SO₂ removed

7.6 Chemical Industry

Application Product
Sodium carbonate production Via calcination (Na₂CO₃)
Sodium salts production Sodium silicate, sodium phosphates, sodium sulfite, etc.
pH buffer Laboratory and industrial processes
CO₂ source Chemical reactions, neutralizations
Textile processing Dyeing auxiliary
Leather industry Dehairing, pH control

7.7 Cleaning and Household Products

Application Function
Abrasive cleaner Mild abrasive for surface cleaning
Odor absorber (refrigerators, carpets) Adsorbs odors
Drain cleaner With acid (vinegar) – CO₂ helps unclog drains
Laundry additive Softens water, removes odors
Dishwashing detergent component pH regulator

7.8 Cosmetics and Personal Care

Application Function Typical Concentration
Toothpaste Abrasive, pH regulator 10–30%
Deodorant Odor absorber 5–20%
Bath products (bath bombs) CO₂ source (with citric acid) 20–50%
Skin care (exfoliants) Mild abrasive 1–10%
Antiperspirants pH adjuster 1–5%

7.9 Agriculture and Animal Feed

Application Function Typical Dosage
Ruminant feed buffer Stabilizes rumen pH (prevents acidosis) 0.5–2% of dry matter
Soil pH amendment Raises pH of acidic soils 1–5 tons/hectare
Fungicide Controls powdery mildew (foliar spray) 0.5–2% solution

7.10 Fire Extinguishers

Parameter Value
Application Dry chemical fire extinguishers (BC powder)
Mechanism Decomposes to CO₂ (smothers fire) + Na₂CO₃
Fire classes Class B (flammable liquids), Class C (electrical)

8. Toxicology and Safety

8.1 Acute Toxicity

Parameter Value Classification
Oral LD₅₀ (rat) 4,220–5,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) Not classified
Dermal LD₅₀ (rabbit) >2,000 mg/kg Not classified
Inhalation LC₅₀ Not determined (dust may irritate) Not classified
Skin irritation Non-irritant Not classified
Eye irritation Mild irritant (dust) Not classified
Skin sensitization Non-sensitizer Not classified

8.2 Chronic Toxicity

Endpoint Classification
Carcinogenicity Not classified (non-carcinogenic)
Mutagenicity Negative
Reproductive toxicity Not classified
Target organ toxicity Not classified (low toxicity)

8.3 Special Hazards

Hazard Description
Decomposition Above 50°C releases CO₂ (asphyxiant in confined spaces)
Dust explosion High concentrations may form explosive mixture in air
Alkalinity Concentrated solutions may cause mild irritation

8.4 GHS Classification (Typical)

Classification Category
Signal word None (not classified as hazardous)
Hazard statements None (under normal conditions)
Precautionary statements P264, P280 (for dust – eye protection)

8.5 NFPA Rating

Health Flammability Reactivity
0 0 0

9. Safety Precautions and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Hazards:

    • Very low acute toxicity

    • Dust may cause mild eye and respiratory tract irritation

    • Non-flammable

    • Decomposes above 50°C (releases CO₂)

    • Non-hygroscopic (does not absorb moisture)

  • PPE (recommended – industrial handling):

    • Safety glasses (EN 166) – optional (low hazard)

    • Dust mask (FFP1/FFP2) – for dusty operations

    • Protective gloves (optional)

    • Protective clothing (dust protection)

  • Engineering controls:

    • Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) for dust control

    • Eyewash stations

  • Storage conditions:

    • Store in tightly closed original container (HDPE, PP, paper bags with liner)

    • Keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated area

    • Protect from moisture (slow decomposition to Na₂CO₃)

    • Store away from strong acids (CO₂ evolution)

  • First aid:

    • Inhalation: Move to fresh air

    • Eye contact: Rinse with water for 15 minutes; remove contact lenses; seek medical attention if irritation persists

    • Skin contact: Wash with soap and water

    • Ingestion: Rinse mouth; drink water (low toxicity)

10. Environmental Fate

Parameter Value
Biodegradability Not applicable (inorganic)
Aquatic toxicity (fish, LC₅₀, 96 hours) >1,000 mg/L (very low toxicity)
Daphnia magna (EC₅₀, 48 hours) >1,000 mg/L
Algal toxicity (EC₅₀, 72 hours) >500 mg/L
Eutrophication potential Low (sodium bicarbonate does not contribute to eutrophication)
Bioaccumulation Not applicable
Mobility in soil High (high water solubility)
WGK Germany 1 (low hazard to water)
Disposal method Dissolve in water, flush to wastewater treatment (check local regulations)

11. Storage and Shelf Life

11.1 Storage Conditions

Parameter Requirement
Storage temperature 5–30°C (room temperature)
Container Keep tightly closed (HDPE, PP, paper bags with liner)
Protect from Moisture (slow decomposition to Na₂CO₃), strong acids
Environment Cool, dry, well-ventilated area

11.2 Shelf Life

Parameter Value
Shelf life (sealed, dry) 36–48 months
Degradation indicators Caking (moisture absorption), loss of potency (decomposition to Na₂CO₃)

11.3 Decomposition Products

  • Na₂CO₃ (sodium carbonate – less active)

  • CO₂ (carbon dioxide)

  • H₂O (water)

12. Transport Information

Regulation Classification
UN Number Not regulated (non-hazardous)
ADR/RID Not classified as dangerous goods
IMDG Not regulated
IATA Not regulated
Proper shipping name Sodium bicarbonate (non-hazardous)

13. Synonyms and Common Names

  • English: Sodium Bicarbonate, Baking Soda, Bread Soda, Cooking Soda, Bicarbonate of Soda, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, Monosodium Carbonate, Sodium Acid Carbonate

  • Trade names: Baking soda (household), Arm & Hammer, Soda Bicarb

  • French: Bicarbonate de sodium

  • German: Natriumhydrogencarbonat, Natron

  • Spanish: Bicarbonato de sodio

  • Turkish: Sodyum Bikarbonat, Kabartma Tozu (partial)

14. Regulatory Status

Regulation Status
REACH (EU) Registered
TSCA (US) Listed
FDA GRAS – food additive (E500) – 21 CFR § 184.1736
EFSA Permitted as food additive (E500)
USP / Ph. Eur. Monographed for pharmaceutical use
EPA Not restricted

15. Why Choose Sodium Bicarbonate?

Advantage Description
Low cost One of the most economical alkalis
GRAS status Safe for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic use
Versatile Used across food, pharma, water treatment, cleaning, agriculture
Effective leavening agent Essential in baking powders and baked goods
Excellent buffer Maintains pH 8.0–8.5 in aqueous solutions
Rapid acid neutralization Fast-acting antacid
Mild abrasive Effective cleaner without scratching surfaces
Decomposes to CO₂ Use in fire extinguishers, bath bombs, flue gas desulfurization
Non-toxic Very low acute toxicity (LD₅₀ >4,000 mg/kg)
Long shelf life 36–48 months when stored properly

Limitations:

  • Decomposes above 50°C – Loss of potency at high temperatures

  • Slow decomposition in moist air – Converts to sodium carbonate

  • Low solubility (10 g/100 mL) – Limited to 10% solutions at 25°C

  • Produces CO₂ when heated – Asphyxiation risk in confined spaces

  • Not suitable for high-temperature processes – Decomposes before melting

16. Comparison with Other Alkaline Agents

Property Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) Potassium Bicarbonate (KHCO₃)
pH (1% solution) 8.3 11.4 9.5 (suspension) 8.3
Solubility (g/100 mL) 10 (25°C) 21.5 (20°C) 0.001 (insoluble) 33 (20°C)
CO₂ release (with acid) Yes (vigorous) Yes (very vigorous) Yes (slow) Yes (vigorous)
Thermal decomposition >50°C → Na₂CO₃ >100°C (stable) >825°C → CaO + CO₂ >100°C → K₂CO₃
Toxicity Very low Low Very low Low
Cost Low Lower Very low Moderate
Primary use Leavening, antacid, buffer Detergents, glass Fillers, construction Leavening (low-sodium)

17. Baking Powder vs. Baking Soda

Parameter Baking Soda (NaHCO₃) Baking Powder
Composition 100% sodium bicarbonate NaHCO₃ + acid + starch
Acid component None Cream of tartar, MCP, SAPP, SAS
Activation Requires acid (buttermilk, yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice) Activation by water + heat
Double-acting No Yes (some types)
Shelf life Indefinite (dry) 6–12 months
Typical use Recipes with acidic ingredients General baking (no added acid needed)

18. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is sodium bicarbonate safe to eat?
A1: Yes, food-grade sodium bicarbonate (E500) is GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by FDA and EFSA. It is used as a leavening agent in baked goods, an antacid, and a food additive.

Q2: Is baking soda the same as sodium bicarbonate?
A2: Yes, baking soda is the common name for sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃). Baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate plus an acid component and starch.

Q3: How does sodium bicarbonate work as an antacid?
A3: It neutralizes stomach acid (HCl) through the reaction: NaHCO₃ + HCl → NaCl + H₂O + CO₂. This provides rapid relief from heartburn and indigestion.

Q4: Why does sodium bicarbonate decompose when heated?
A4: Above 50°C, sodium bicarbonate decomposes: 2NaHCO₃ → Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂. This reaction is used in baking (CO₂ leavening) and fire extinguishers (CO₂ smothers fire).

Q5: Can sodium bicarbonate be used to clean drains?
A5: Yes, when combined with vinegar (acetic acid), the reaction produces CO₂ gas which helps dislodge clogs: NaHCO₃ + CH₃COOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O + CO₂.

Q6: Is sodium bicarbonate bad for the environment?
A6: No. Sodium bicarbonate is non-toxic, does not bioaccumulate, and is fully water-soluble. It is considered environmentally friendly.

19. Storage Recommendations

Condition Recommendation
Containers HDPE, polypropylene, paper bags with liner
Temperature 5–30°C (room temperature)
Humidity <60% RH (prevents caking and decomposition)
Shelf life 36–48 months (sealed container)
After opening Use within 12–24 months; reseal tightly
Incompatibles Strong acids, moisture

20. Summary Table – Key Specifications at a Glance

Parameter Value
Product Name Sodium Bicarbonate (E500)
CAS Number 144-55-8
EC Number 205-633-8
Molecular Formula NaHCO₃
Molecular Weight 84.01 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline powder
Density 2.20 g/cm³
Bulk Density 0.8–1.1 g/cm³
Decomposition Temp >50°C
pH (1% solution) 8.0–8.5
Water Solubility (25°C) 10 g/100 mL
Assay (food grade) 99.0–100.5%
E Number E500
Primary Applications Leavening agent (baking), antacid, pH buffer, water treatment, flue gas desulfurization, cleaning
GHS Signal Word None (non-hazardous)
Hazard Statements None
Oral LD₅₀ (rat) 4,220–5,000 mg/kg
Biodegradability Not applicable (inorganic)
Shelf Life 36–48 months

This TDS is prepared in compliance with ISO 11014-1 format and is intended for food technologists, pharmaceutical scientists, bakers, water treatment specialists, cleaning product formulators, and procurement professionals. Certificates of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and sample validation reports are available upon request.

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