Formation of Sodium Bicarbonate

NaOH + CO₂ → NaHCO₃

Overview

Sodium hydroxide reacts with carbon dioxide in a 1:1 ratio to form sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). This is one of the steps in the Solvay process for producing sodium carbonate. The reaction is important in carbon dioxide scrubbing systems.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Sodium Hydroxide NaOH	1	(s)
Reactant	Carbon Dioxide CO₂	1	(g)
Product	Sodium Bicarbonate NaHCO₃	1	(s)

Everyday Example

CO2 scrubbers in spacecraft and submarines use sodium hydroxide to absorb carbon dioxide from the air via this reaction.

Industrial Importance

This reaction is used in the Solvay process and in industrial CO2 capture systems. Sodium bicarbonate has applications in baking, fire extinguishers, and medicine.

Properties

Type: Synthesis
Reversible: Yes
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -127.5 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (General) Formation of Aluminum Oxide Formation of Ammonia (Haber Process) Formation of Barium Oxide Formation of Barium Sulfate Formation of Beryllium Oxide Formation of Cadmium Oxide Formation of Calcium Carbonate from Oxides Formation of Calcium Hydroxide Formation of Calcium Oxide (Quicklime)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Formation of Sodium Bicarbonate?

The balanced equation is: NaOH + CO₂ → NaHCO₃.

What type of reaction is Formation of Sodium Bicarbonate?

Formation of Sodium Bicarbonate is a synthesis reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.

Is Formation of Sodium Bicarbonate exothermic or endothermic?

Formation of Sodium Bicarbonate is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -127.5 kJ/mol.