Write the chemical formula of baking soda and give its method of preparation with a chemical equation.

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Points to Remember:

  • Chemical formula of baking soda.
  • Method of preparation of baking soda.
  • Balanced chemical equation for its preparation.

Introduction:

Baking soda, a common household item, is a leavening agent used in baking and also finds applications in cleaning and other areas. Its chemical name is sodium bicarbonate, and it’s a white crystalline powder. Understanding its chemical formula and preparation method requires a basic knowledge of inorganic chemistry. The widespread use of baking soda highlights its importance in both domestic and industrial settings.

Body:

1. Chemical Formula of Baking Soda:

The chemical formula of baking soda is NaHCO₃. This indicates that one molecule of sodium

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bicarbonate consists of one sodium atom (Na), one hydrogen atom (H), one carbon atom (C), and three oxygen atoms (O).

2. Method of Preparation of Baking Soda (Solvay Process):

Baking soda is primarily manufactured using the Solvay process. This process involves a series of reactions, starting with brine (a concentrated solution of sodium chloride, NaCl). The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Brine Purification: Impurities are removed from the brine to ensure a high-quality product.
  • Step 2: Ammoniation: Ammonia gas (NH₃) is dissolved in the purified brine.
  • Step 3: Carbonation: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is passed through the ammoniated brine. This leads to the precipitation of sodium bicarbonate.
  • Step 4: Filtration and Drying:
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    The precipitated sodium bicarbonate is filtered and then dried to obtain the final product.

3. Chemical Equation for the Preparation of Baking Soda:

The overall chemical equation for the Solvay process, focusing on the formation of sodium bicarbonate, is:

NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g) + NH₃(g) → NaHCO₃(s) + NH₄Cl(aq)

Where:

  • NaCl(aq) represents aqueous sodium chloride (brine).
  • H₂O(l) represents liquid water.
  • CO₂(g) represents gaseous carbon dioxide.
  • NH₃(g) represents gaseous ammonia.
  • NaHCO₃(s) represents solid sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
  • NH₄Cl(aq) represents aqueous ammonium chloride (a byproduct).

Conclusion:

In summary, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), with the chemical formula NaHCO₃, is primarily produced through the Solvay process. This process involves a series of reactions, culminating in the precipitation of sodium bicarbonate from ammoniated brine saturated with carbon dioxide. The balanced chemical equation representing this key step is NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g) + NH₃(g) → NaHCO₃(s) + NH₄Cl(aq). Understanding the chemical formula and preparation method of baking soda provides insight into its properties and widespread applications. Further research into optimizing the Solvay process and exploring alternative, more sustainable methods of production could lead to improvements in efficiency and environmental impact, aligning with principles of sustainable development.

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