Bicarbonates are acid salts obtained from carbonic acid.
The concept of bicarbonate is used in the field of chemistry . The term allows reference to an acidic salt of carbonic acid .
It is impossible to understand precisely what bicarbonate is without being clear about what the concepts of acid salt and carbonic acid refer to. Therefore, it is essential to analyze these ideas before moving forward.
Carbonic acid and acid salts
An acid that comes from carbon dioxide is known as carbonic acid . Its molecules have two hydrogen atoms, one carbon atom and three oxygen atoms, its molecular formula being H2CO3 . Carbonic acid can be found in so-called carbonated or carbonated drinks , for example .
We said above that the acid salt of this compound is called bicarbonate . But what is an acid salt ? First you have to know that a salt arises with the substitution of the hydrogen atoms that are present in an acid. When salt generates an acidic solution once dissolved in a solvent , it is called an acid salt .
If the acid salt is obtained from carbonic acid, it is ultimately a bicarbonate . It is interesting to mention that there is not a single type of bicarbonate, so it is necessary to talk about bicarbonates (plural).
Baking soda
Sodium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate is the best known bicarbonate. Its molecular formula is NaHCO3 , with one sodium atom, one hydrogen atom, one carbon atom and three oxygen atoms.
This solid compound can be produced artificially, although it is also present in nature . When bicarbonate is exposed to a strong acid, its decomposition takes place, triggering a process where it produces water and carbon dioxide and generates effervescence.
Baking soda is used in many ways.
Baking soda has multiple uses. In the field of baking and confectionery , it is used as an additive to promote rising . This is because, when reacting with certain elements (such as vinegar , yogurt or lemon ), it releases carbon dioxide and makes the dough grow.
Other frequent uses of sodium bicarbonate are in medicine and cosmetics . This baking soda helps treat heartburn and serves as a deodorant .
Uses not recommended
It is important to mention that there are other uses of sodium bicarbonate that are widespread but are discouraged by science . There are alternative therapies that recommend sodium bicarbonate treatments to combat cancer , for example, although medical research has not found evidence to demonstrate its supposed effectiveness.
Dentists, on the other hand, suggest not using baking soda to whiten teeth . They even claim that the practice can be harmful.
Potassium bicarbonate
Potassium hydrogen carbonate , more commonly called potassium bicarbonate , is a whitish solid with the formula KHCO3 . It is usually produced by using carbon dioxide to treat an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate.
Like baking soda, it can be used to rise bread because it releases carbon dioxide. Some fire extinguishers , meanwhile, use this type of bicarbonate as a dry chemical agent. In agriculture , it also helps regulate pH.