Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), commonly known as baking soda, has a wide range of uses in daily life, medicine, and industry.
Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO₃)
1. Household Uses
- Baking: Acts as a leavening agent in cakes, breads, and cookies by releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) when heated or mixed with an acid, causing the dough to rise.
- Cleaning: Serves as a mild abrasive, making it effective for cleaning sinks, tiles, and utensils.
- Deodorizer: Absorbs unpleasant odors in refrigerators, shoes, and carpets.
- Fire Extinguisher: Releases CO₂ when heated, helping to smother flames; commonly used in dry chemical fire extinguishers.
2. Medical Uses
- Antacid: Neutralizes stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn, acidity, and indigestion.
- Mouthwash: A mild solution can be used to freshen breath and reduce oral bacteria.
- Toothpaste: Present in whitening toothpastes as a gentle abrasive.
- Treatment of Acidosis: Administered intravenously in hospitals to treat metabolic acidosis.
- Skin Relief: Helps relieve itching and irritation from insect bites, sunburn, or rashes when applied in paste form.
3. Industrial Uses
- Textile industry: Utilized in dyeing and finishing processes.
- Leather industry: Aids in the tanning of leather.
- Chemical manufacturing: Involved in the production of other sodium compounds, such as sodium carbonate.
- Fireworks & explosives: Acts as a stabilizer.
- Water treatment: Helps neutralize acidic water.
4. Food Industry
- Food Additive: Functions to regulate acidity and preserve food.
- Effervescent Drinks and Powders: React with acids to release CO₂, creating fizz.
5. Agriculture
- In agriculture, sodium bicarbonate helps control fungal growth on plants and is also used in animal feed to improve digestion in ruminants.