Sodium Bicarbonate vs. Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate

Attribute	Sodium Bicarbonate	Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
Chemical Formula	NaHCO3	NaHCO3
Common Name	Baking Soda	Baking Soda
Other Names	Bicarbonate of Soda	Bicarbonate of Soda
Appearance	White crystalline powder	White crystalline powder
Uses	Baking, cleaning, deodorizing	Baking, cleaning, deodorizing

Introduction

Sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate are two chemical compounds that are closely related and often confused with each other. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in terms of their properties and uses. In this article, we will explore the attributes of sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate to better understand their differences.

Chemical Composition

Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, has the chemical formula NaHCO3. It is a white crystalline powder that is commonly used in baking and as a household cleaner. On the other hand, sodium hydrogen carbonate, also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda, has the chemical formula NaHCO3. It is also a white crystalline powder that is used for similar purposes as sodium bicarbonate.

Solubility

One of the key differences between sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate is their solubility in water. Sodium bicarbonate is moderately soluble in water, with a solubility of about 9 grams per 100 mL of water at room temperature. In contrast, sodium hydrogen carbonate is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of about 10 grams per 100 mL of water at room temperature. This difference in solubility can affect how the two compounds are used in various applications.

Acid-Base Properties

Both sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate are weak bases that can react with acids to form salts and water. However, sodium bicarbonate is slightly less basic than sodium hydrogen carbonate due to the presence of an additional hydrogen atom in its chemical structure. This difference in basicity can impact the effectiveness of the two compounds in neutralizing acids and balancing pH levels in various applications.

Thermal Decomposition

When heated, both sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate undergo thermal decomposition to produce carbon dioxide, water, and sodium carbonate. However, the temperature at which this decomposition occurs differs between the two compounds. Sodium bicarbonate decomposes at a lower temperature of around 50°C, while sodium hydrogen carbonate decomposes at a higher temperature of around 100°C. This difference in thermal stability can influence how the two compounds are used in heating and cooking applications.

Uses

Both sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate have a wide range of uses in various industries and applications. Sodium bicarbonate is commonly used in baking as a leavening agent to help dough rise, as well as in cleaning products to remove odors and stains. Sodium hydrogen carbonate is also used in baking for the same purpose, as well as in fire extinguishers to help smother flames and in antacids to neutralize stomach acid. While the two compounds have similar uses, their differences in solubility, basicity, and thermal stability can impact their effectiveness in different applications.