The differences between Soda Ash and Sodium Bicarbonate

1. Is soda(soda ash, soda carbonate) the same as baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)?

Soda and baking soda, sound similar, many friends may confuse, thinking that they are the same thing, but in fact, soda and baking soda are not the same.

Soda, also known as soda ash, sodium carbonate, is a naturally occurring raw material, and baking soda generally refers to edible baking soda, the chemical formula is called sodium bicarbonate, is made of upgraded raw materials after soda processing, the two are different in many aspects.

2.What are the differences between soda ash and baking soda(sodium bicarbonate)?

①Different molecular formula
The molecular formula of soda ash is: Na2CO3, and the molecular formula of baking soda( (sodium bicarbonate)) is: NaHCOz, do not look at only one H, but the difference between them is relatively large.

②Different alkalinity
Soda ash has a strong base, while baking soda( (sodium bicarbonate)) has a weak base.

③Different shapes
Soda ash light from the appearance, similar to white sugar but smaller sand state, not powder, and baking soda( (sodium bicarbonate)) appearance is a very small white powder state.

④Different colors
Soda ash color is slightly transparent white, the color is not as white as baking soda( (sodium bicarbonate)) and has a little translucent color, and the color of baking soda( (sodium bicarbonate)) is white, and it is pure white, very white.

⑤Smell different
The smell of soda ash is pungent, with obvious pungent odor, the taste is heavier, commonly known as “alkali odor”, and the smell of baking soda( (sodium bicarbonate)) is very flat, not pungent, without any odor.

⑥Different nature
The nature of soda ash is relatively stable, it does not decompose in the event of heat, it is easily soluble in water and the water is alkaline after mixing with water, and the nature of baking soda ( (sodium bicarbonate)) is unstable, it is easily decomposed in the event of heat, it is also easily soluble in water, and it is easily decomposed into sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide and water when added to water, so the water is weakly alkaline after being dissolved in water.

3.Can soda and baking soda(sodium bicarbonate)be mixed ?

Soda and baking soda are different, baking soda is made of soda processing, generally baking soda can be used instead of soda ash, but soda ash can not replace baking soda. In addition, whether it is soda or baking soda, you should pay attention to control the amount of use when using, not too much.

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