Sodium Carbonate Formula Vs. Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium Carbonate Formula

The world of chemistry is filled with chemical substances. In our planet nothing can be more widely used and important substance like the sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Though they appear to sound almost the same there is actually a difference between sodium carbonate formula and sodium bicarbonate.

First of all let us look at the sodium carbonate formula. It actually looks almost the same with that of the sodium bicarbonate. The formula is Na2CO3 and on the other hand the sodium bicarbonate formula is NaHCO3. They are also of the same compound: ionic compound. This means they dissolve in water and they release positively charged (Na) or sodium ion and a negatively charged (CO3) or carbonate ion. The sodium carbonate formula does not have positively charged (H) or hydrogen ion, which is found on sodium bicarbonate.

Based on form the sodium bicarbonate is usually in the form of white solid powder. It is a weak base and it dissolves quickly in water. On the other hand the sodium carbonate is a strong alkali. However, it also dissolves quickly in water. Both of them are harmless even if they come into contact on the skin. They could cause eye irritation though. In addition they are not toxic if ingested in low dosage.

The most common sodium carbonate formula that we know is called soda ash. It is also sometimes called disodium carbonate, calcined soda, carbonic acid disodium salt and washing soda. It is used for making glass, making soap and other chemical processing. On the other the sodium bicarbonate is widely known in its form we call baking soda. It can also have other names like sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium acid carbonate, carbonic acid monosodium salt and bicarbonate of soda. It is commonly used for household uses like cooking/baking, removing odors, cleaning and even as fire extinguisher.