Sodium Bicarbonate CAS 144-55-8 specifications
Sodium Bicarbonate: Key Specifications, Technical Insights, and Industrial Applications
What is Sodium Bicarbonate?
Sodium bicarbonate (chemical formula: NaHCO₃) is a white, crystalline powder or granular solid with a slightly alkaline taste. Naturally occurring as the mineral nahcolite, it is primarily produced industrially via the Solvay process, which reacts sodium chloride, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Its unique chemical structure—combining a sodium cation (Na⁺) and a bicarbonate anion (HCO₃⁻)—endows it with exceptional properties: mild alkalinity, thermal decomposition (releasing CO₂ at 50°C+), and solubility in water (9.6 g/100 mL at 20°C). These traits make it indispensable in countless industrial and consumer applications.
Core Specifications and Quality Standards
Purity: ≥99.0% (food-grade) and ≥98.5% (industrial-grade), ensuring minimal impurities (chlorides ≤0.05%, sulfates ≤0.03%, heavy metals ≤10 ppm) that could compromise end products.
Particle Size: Customizable from 20 mesh (coarse granular) to 400 mesh (ultrafine powder). Food-grade variants typically range 80–200 mesh for uniform mixing, while industrial grades may use 20–60 mesh for filtration or absorption processes.
Moisture Content: ≤0.2% (max), preventing caking and ensuring long-term stability in storage.
pH Value: 8.3–8.6 (1% aqueous solution), confirming mild alkalinity suitable for neutralization without corrosivity.
Technical Advantages and Application Versatility
Neutralization Capacity: Effectively neutralizes acidic waste streams, exhaust gases (e.g., flue gas desulfurization), and industrial effluents without producing harmful byproducts.
Thermal Stability: Decomposes gently at moderate temperatures (150°C full decomposition) to release CO₂ and water, making it ideal for leavening in baking, fire extinguishing, and thermal insulation materials.
Safety and Compatibility: Non-toxic, non-corrosive, and compatible with most organic and inorganic compounds, enabling safe use in food processing (as a leavening agent or pH regulator), pharmaceuticals (antacids), and personal care (toothpaste, skincare).
Adsorptive Properties: Traps odors, heavy metals, and pollutants, finding applications in water treatment, air purification, and agricultural soil remediation.
Why Choose High-Quality Sodium Bicarbonate?
As demand for sustainable, multi-functional chemicals grows, sodium bicarbonate remains a cornerstone material, with its well-defined specifications and technical attributes continuing to drive innovation across sectors.


