What is sodium bicarbonate and what are its uses?
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly called baking soda, is a white crystalline powder not commonly found in nature but generally manufactured from other sodium based materials. It is composed of sodium, hydrogen, carbon and oxygen molecules represented by the formula NaHCO3. In the last century, sodium bicarbonate has been manufactured by adding carbon dioxide gas to sodium carbonate. Sodium carbonate has been manufactured using lime and salt or from the natural deposits of Trona found in Wyoming. The two leaders in sodium bicarbonate production are Church & Dwight (Arm & Hammer and Cow Brand), and Belgium based Solvay. Sodium bicarbonate is commonly used in baking, deodorizing, fire suppression, animal feed supplements and household/industrial cleaners.
