Sodium bicarbonate (CAS 144-55-8)

Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is a white crystalline compound with the formula NaHCO3, widely used in scientific research due to its versatile properties. As a mild base, it is frequently employed to neutralize acids, making it pivotal for adjusting and maintaining the pH levels in chemical and biochemical experiments where precise pH conditions are crucial for maintaining enzyme activities and reaction stabilities. In synthetic chemistry, sodium bicarbonate is utilized to produce effervescent reactions in the creation of carbon dioxide gas, particularly in combination with acids like citric or tartaric acid, which finds applications in experimental setups requiring gas evolution. Additionally, its role extends to environmental sciences, particularly in flue gas treatments where it helps remove sulfur dioxide from industrial emissions, significantly reducing air pollution. In analytical chemistry, sodium bicarbonate is integral in formulating buffer solutions that ensure the constancy of pH during sensitive laboratory procedures. This broad applicability, combined with its non-toxic nature and ease of handling, also makes it an excellent educational tool for demonstrating fundamental chemical principles such as acid-base reactions and gas release, thereby enhancing its value in both practical and instructional scientific contexts.