Sodium Bicarbonate Overview | Lab Alley

04 Aug.,2025

 

Sodium Bicarbonate Overview | Lab Alley

Sodium Bicarbonate Overview: Properties, Uses, Safety & Buying Guide

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  • Key Points/Overview
  • Uses & Benefits
  • Safety Information
  • FAQs
  • Related Resources

Sodium Bicarbonate Overview

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), commonly recognized as baking soda, is one of the most familiar yet scientifically significant compounds in both domestic and industrial settings. At its core, sodium bicarbonate is a white, crystalline powder with a mildly alkaline nature. But beneath that simple appearance lies a compound that plays an essential role in countless chemical processes: balancing pH, neutralizing acid, and releasing carbon dioxide when activated. It’s a staple for pharmaceuticals, a must-have in food production, and a trusted agent in environmental applications such as flue gas treatment and water purification.

This overview explores the essential facts about sodium bicarbonate, including its chemical properties, practical uses, safety considerations and availability in various grades and packaging formats. Whether you’re a formulator, researcher, or facility manager, understanding the basics of sodium bicarbonate is the first step to leveraging its full potential.

Lab Alley supplies premium-grade sodium bicarbonate to consumers, laboratories, manufacturers, research institutions, and industrial operations nationwide. Our sodium bicarbonate meets high standards of purity, making it suitable for diverse uses including household cleaning, personal care formulations, food processing and sanitation, scientific research, and industrial production.We offer sodium bicarbonate in convenient packaging sizes ranging from 1 pound to 50 kilograms, with additional bulk quantities available upon request.To place an order or learn more about custom sizes and pricing, call Lab Alley at 512-668-.

Sodium bicarbonate is a well-characterized inorganic compound with broad recognition across industries and scientific communities. While it’s most famously known as baking soda, it also goes by several other names in professional and commercial contexts.

In this section, we will go over its synonyms, chemical formula, CAS number -the globally recognized identifier-, molar mass and appearance. Check out the table below where we lay out all the information:

Key Facts About Sodium Bicarbonate:

  • Compound Name: Sodium bicarbonate
  • Synonyms: Baking Soda, Bicarbonate of Soda, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, E500(ii) (as a food additive code in the EU)
  • Chemical Formula: NaHCO₃
  • CAS Number: 144-55-8
  • Molar Mass: 84.01 g/mol
  • Appearance: White, crystalline powder or granules. Odorless.

Lab Alley’s sodium bicarbonate products are formulated to meet stringent quality and purity standards, making them suitable for a wide range of applications including household cleaning, personal care, odor control, organic farming, food processing, pH regulation, chemical buffering, and environmental cleanup. As a mildly alkaline compound with the chemical formula NaHCO₃, sodium bicarbonate is valued for its ability to neutralize acids, control odors, and act as a gentle abrasive. It is a safe, versatile, and environmentally friendly ingredient widely used in both consumer and industrial settings.


Sodium Bicarbonate Properties:

Sodium bicarbonate’s wide usability stems from its stable, non-toxic nature and predictable reactivity. Whether it’s being used to neutralize acids, regulate pH, or clean surfaces, these core properties define how it performs under different conditions.

Density

Sodium bicarbonate has a density of approximately 2.2 g/cm³. This relatively high density provides good bulk stability, making it suitable for storage in both small containers and large industrial silos.

Boiling Point & Melting Point

It melts at around 50°C (122°F) and decomposes upon further heating. When heated beyond its melting point, sodium bicarbonate undergoes thermal decomposition, releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂), which makes it effective as a leavening agent or neutralizing compound.

Solubility

Sodium bicarbonate is soluble in water but only sparingly soluble in alcohol and other organic solvents. Its water solubility enables it to function efficiently in aqueous solutions, making it ideal for use in medical formulations, laboratory buffers, and water treatment systems.

pH Level

A 1% aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate has a pH of approximately 8.3. This mild alkalinity makes it ideal for buffering pH-sensitive systems without being overly caustic or reactive.

Reactivity

Sodium bicarbonate is stable under normal conditions but reacts with acids to release carbon dioxide gas. This acid-base reaction is essential to its role in baking, pharmaceuticals, and industrial neutralization. Despite its general stability, it should be kept away from strong acids and high heat, both of which can accelerate its decomposition.

Uses & Benefits

In industrial settings, sodium bicarbonate serves as a versatile compound used for buffering, pH regulation, and gentle abrasion. It’s integral to processes like textile dyeing, fire suppression, industrial cleaning, and even plastic and leather production. In chemical synthesis, mining, and metallurgy, it helps neutralize acids, suppress dust, and clean metal surfaces - showcasing its broad utility in manufacturing and processing.

In laboratories, sodium bicarbonate is widely used to buffer acid-base reactions and prepare chemical solutions. Its compatibility with biological systems makes it ideal for maintaining pH in cell cultures and enzyme studies. Researchers rely on it for its low reactivity, affordability, and solubility in water.

Medically, sodium bicarbonate is FDA-approved for use as an antacid and is administered intravenously for conditions like metabolic acidosis. In pharmaceuticals, it acts as both an active ingredient and a stabilizing excipient, commonly appearing in tablets, toothpastes, and rinses. Its non-corrosive nature also makes it suitable for cleaning delicate medical equipment.

In the food and beverage industry, sodium bicarbonate plays a key role as a leavening agent in baking (E500), a pH adjuster, and a carbonation agent in beverages. It also contributes to food preservation and appears in nutritional supplements to balance acidity during physical exertion.

Agriculturally, it neutralizes acidic soils, supports healthy crop growth, and acts as a mild fungicide. In livestock, it’s used to reduce digestive acidity and improve milk production efficiency in dairy cattle. Its eco-friendly profile suits both organic and conventional farming.

Around the home, sodium bicarbonate is a safe and effective cleaner and deodorizer. It’s used to scrub surfaces, enhance laundry detergents, and freshen textiles. In personal care, it’s found in bath soaks, deodorants, and oral hygiene products due to its natural exfoliating and odor-neutralizing properties.

Environmentally, sodium bicarbonate is a key player in pollution control. It neutralizes acidic gases in flue gas desulfurization and adjusts wastewater pH to help remove heavy metals - offering a non-toxic alternative to harsher chemicals.

Sodium bicarbonate is available in multiple grades, including USP, Food, ACS, and Industrial, with packaging options ranging from small boxes to bulk drums. Choosing the right grade ensures compliance with safety and regulatory standards across different applications.

In summary, sodium bicarbonate is a cornerstone of modern industry and daily life. Its chemical versatility, safety, and environmental friendliness make it an essential solution across sectors, from food and pharma to agriculture and environmental management.

Lab Alley is proud to be a trusted supplier of high-quality sodium bicarbonate for professionals, businesses, and consumers across all sectors, providing consistent purity, reliable performance, and fast, nationwide shipping. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, Lab Alley ensures you have the sodium bicarbonate you need - when and how you need it.

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Personal Care Products

Ethanol is a common ingredient in many cosmetics and beauty products.1 It acts as an astringent to help clean skin, as a preservative in lotions and to help ensure that lotion ingredients do not separate, and it helps hairspray adhere to hair.

Because ethanol is effective in killing microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses, it is a common ingredient in many hand sanitizers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of hand sanitizers in situations where soap and water are not available.2 Practicing hand hygiene is also an important part of helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. Using hand sanitizers or alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) can help to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Household Products

Ethanol mixes easily with water and many organic compounds and makes an effective solvent for use in paints, lacquers and varnish, as well as personal care and household cleaning products. As an additive to cleaning products, ethanol is also used as a preservative because it is effective in knocking out organisms that could pose a danger to consumers.3

Food Additives

As a food additive, ethanol can help evenly distribute food coloring, as well as enhance the flavor of food extracts. For example, vanilla extract, a common food flavoring, is made by curing and processing vanilla beans in a solution of ethanol and water. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only allows vanilla to be called “extract” when it has an alcohol or ethanol base.4

Fuel

More than 98 percent of U.S. gasoline contains ethanol, typically in a mixture called E10, made up of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline, to oxygenate the fuel and reduce air pollution.5) Ethanol has a higher octane number than gasoline, providing premium blending properties, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.5 Minimum octane number requirements prevent engine knocking and maintain drivability.

Safety Information

Sodium bicarbonate is widely regarded as a safe and low-risk compound, but like any chemical, it should still be handled with care, especially in industrial or high-volume environments. Understanding the basic safety precautions, storage requirements, and proper disposal methods ensures that it remains effective, compliant, and hazard-free throughout its lifecycle.

Hazards & Precautions

While sodium bicarbonate is non-toxic, non-flammable, and chemically stable under normal conditions, improper use or storage can still pose minor risks. These facts should always be considered when handling especially large amounts:

  • Sodium bicarbonate is a mild irritant in concentrated powder form. It may cause eye or skin discomfort upon direct contact.
  • It reacts with acids, releasing carbon dioxide gas (CO₂). In enclosed or poorly ventilated areas, this may lead to pressure buildup or respiratory discomfort.
  • Its thermal decomposition at high temperatures (>50°C / 122°F) produces sodium carbonate (CO₂), which can cause container bloating or rupture if sealed.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

In industrial, lab settings or at home, always follow standard chemical safety protocols:

  • Household / Consumer: None typically required beyond basic ventilation and handwashing
  • Laboratory / Industrial:
  • Safety goggles
  • Protective gloves
  • Dust mask (optional, if airborne exposure)

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage preserves sodium bicarbonate’s effectiveness and shelf life. Make sure to fulfill these requirements:

  • Store in a cool, dry environment because moisture causes clumping and may trigger slow degradation.
  • Use airtight containers. Preferably plastic (HDPE), stainless steel, or glass with secure lids.
  • Avoid contamination especially in food, pharmaceutical, or laboratory contexts.

Recommendation: Bulk quantities should be kept in sealed drums or lined bags, away from acids or volatile chemicals.


Spill & Disposal Procedures

Even though sodium bicarbonate might look easy to clean and dispose of, we recommend taking the following precautions whether you are working with small or large spills:

  • Small Spill: Sweep or vacuum dry powder; then rinse the area with water to remove residues.
  • Large Spill: Use mechanical collection, then wash the area with water while minimizing dust exposure.
  • Disposal: Safe for standard disposal; follow local regulations for industrial quantities.
Read more about Sodium Bicarbonate Safety & Handling →

FAQs

Is all sodium bicarbonate the same?

No. It comes in various grades (e.g., Industrial, ACS/Reagent grade, food grade, USP grade) and concentrations for different applications. 

Can I use food-grade sodium bicarbonate for cleaning surfaces?

Yes, you can use food-grade sodium bicarbonate for cleaning surfaces, and it’s actually a great choice for that purpose.

Are you interested in learning more about Sodium Bicarbonate Industry Grade? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

What happens if sodium bicarbonate freezes?

When sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) freezes, nothing significant happens to the chemical itself - it does not degrade, lose potency, or undergo a chemical change simply due to freezing temperatures.

How long does sodium bicarbonate last?

In ideal storage conditions - cool, dry, and sealed packaging - food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade sodium bicarbonate can remain effective for 2 to 3 years or longer. The actual shelf life varies depending on purity level, exposure to environmental factors, and whether it’s stored in bulk or retail packaging.

Can sodium bicarbonate be mixed with other cleaners?

Yes, sodium bicarbonate can be safely mixed with some cleaners, but not all. While it’s a versatile and gentle cleaning agent on its own, combining it with certain substances can either enhance its effectiveness or render it useless - or even create hazardous reactions.

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Personal Care Products

Ethanol is a common ingredient in many cosmetics and beauty products.1 It acts as an astringent to help clean skin, as a preservative in lotions and to help ensure that lotion ingredients do not separate, and it helps hairspray adhere to hair.

Because ethanol is effective in killing microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses, it is a common ingredient in many hand sanitizers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of hand sanitizers in situations where soap and water are not available.2 Practicing hand hygiene is also an important part of helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. Using hand sanitizers or alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) can help to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Household Products

Ethanol mixes easily with water and many organic compounds and makes an effective solvent for use in paints, lacquers and varnish, as well as personal care and household cleaning products. As an additive to cleaning products, ethanol is also used as a preservative because it is effective in knocking out organisms that could pose a danger to consumers.3

Food Additives

As a food additive, ethanol can help evenly distribute food coloring, as well as enhance the flavor of food extracts. For example, vanilla extract, a common food flavoring, is made by curing and processing vanilla beans in a solution of ethanol and water. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only allows vanilla to be called “extract” when it has an alcohol or ethanol base.4

Fuel

More than 98 percent of U.S. gasoline contains ethanol, typically in a mixture called E10, made up of 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline, to oxygenate the fuel and reduce air pollution.5) Ethanol has a higher octane number than gasoline, providing premium blending properties, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.5 Minimum octane number requirements prevent engine knocking and maintain drivability.

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Sodium Bicarbonate Overview

This overview explores the essential facts about sodium bicarbonate, including its chemical properties, practical uses, safety considerations and availability in various grades and packaging formats. Whether you’re a formulator, researcher, or facility manager, understanding the basics of sodium bicarbonate is the first step to leveraging its full potential.

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Independent Chemical Supplies High-Quality Sodium Bicarbonate ...

Independent Chemical is your trusted supplier of Sodium Bicarbonate, a versatile and essential compound used across a wide range of industries. With our commitment to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, we ensure you receive the best-grade Sodium Bicarbonate to meet your specific needs. Whether for food, pharmaceuticals, or industrial processes, our product is available in bulk quantities for seamless integration into your supply chain.

What Is Sodium Bicarbonate?

Sodium Bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is a naturally occurring, alkaline compound with the chemical formula NaHCO3. Renowned for its mild alkalinity, buffering capabilities, and safe handling, it has become a staple in industries ranging from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

Our Sodium Bicarbonate is of premium quality, meeting the strict standards required for diverse applications while ensuring consistent performance.

Applications of Sodium Bicarbonate

1. Food and Beverage Industry

Sodium Bicarbonate is widely used as a leavening agent in baking and as a pH regulator in food processing.

  • Leavening agent in baked goods
  • Acidity regulator in beverages
  • Preservative in certain food products

2. Pharmaceutical Industry

Its buffering and neutralizing properties make Sodium Bicarbonate a key ingredient in antacids and other medical formulations.

  • Active ingredient in antacids
  • pH balancer in medications
  • Used in dialysis treatments

3. Cleaning and Industrial Applications

Sodium Bicarbonate’s gentle abrasiveness and cleaning properties make it ideal for cleaning products and industrial uses.

  • Ingredient in cleaning products
  • Descaling agent for industrial equipment
  • Odor neutralizer for various applications

4. Agriculture

In the agricultural sector, Sodium Bicarbonate is used to regulate soil pH, clean equipment, and as a feed additive for livestock.

  • Regulates soil pH
  • Used in livestock feed
  • Cleans and disinfects agricultural equipment

Key Benefits of Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium Bicarbonate offers numerous advantages across industries:

  • Safe and non-toxic – Suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications
  • Environmentally friendly – Biodegradable and harmless to ecosystems
  • Versatile – Multiple applications in food, pharma, cleaning, and agriculture
  • Cost-effective – Affordable solution for industrial needs
  • Reliable performance – Consistent quality for optimal results

Why Choose Independent Chemical as Your Sodium Bicarbonate Supplier?

At Independent Chemical, we prioritize quality and customer satisfaction. When you source Sodium Bicarbonate from us, you benefit from:

  • High-purity product – Meeting food-grade and industrial standards
  • Reliable bulk supply – Consistent inventory for your production needs
  • Competitive pricing – Helping you optimize costs
  • Technical support – Expert assistance for your applications
  • Fast and efficient delivery – Ensuring your operations run smoothly

Order Sodium Bicarbonate from Independent Chemical Today

Looking for a reliable supplier of Sodium Bicarbonate? Independent Chemical is here to t your needs. With our high-quality product and outstanding service, you can trust us to support your industrial and manufacturing processes.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Sodium Nitrate Granular.