Sodium Carbonate vs. Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Sodium Carbonate is a strong alkaline compound used in cleaning, while Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (baking soda) is a milder alkaline substance used in cooking and as a mild antacid.
Key Differences
Sodium Carbonate, known as washing soda, is a strong alkaline compound with a high pH, making it effective in water softening and heavy-duty cleaning. Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is a milder alkaline compound with a wide range of uses, from cooking to gentle cleaning and as an antacid.
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Dec 20, 2023
In chemical makeup, Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3) lacks the hydrogen element present in Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (NaHCO3). This difference in composition accounts for Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate's ability to release carbon dioxide when reacting with acids, a property exploited in baking to make dough rise.
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Dec 20, 2023
Sodium Carbonate is more caustic and can be irritating to skin and eyes, requiring caution in handling. In contrast, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate is much safer to handle, being a common ingredient in personal care products like toothpaste and deodorants due to its mild nature.
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Dec 20, 2023
In environmental terms, both compounds are considered eco-friendly and biodegradable. However, Sodium Carbonate, due to its stronger nature, is more likely to alter the pH balance in aquatic ecosystems than Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate.
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Dec 20, 2023
Sodium Carbonate is commonly used in laundry detergents, glass manufacturing, and as a descaling agent. Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, besides its culinary uses, is employed in fire extinguishers, as a cleaning agent for delicate materials, and for medicinal purposes like treating acid indigestion.
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Dec 20, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Common Uses
Water softening, heavy-duty cleaning
Cooking, mild cleaning, antacid
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Dec 20, 2023
Reactivity
Does not release CO2 when reacting with acids
Releases CO2 when reacting with acids
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Safety
Caustic, irritant to skin and eyes
Generally safe for handling and ingestion
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Dec 20, 2023
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Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate Definitions
Sodium Carbonate
Employed in glass and textile manufacturing industries.
Sodium Carbonate is a key ingredient in glass production.
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Dec 11, 2023
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
Used medicinally as an antacid to treat acid indigestion.
For heartburn, a solution of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate can be helpful.
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Dec 11, 2023
Sodium Carbonate
A strong alkaline compound used in cleaning and manufacturing.
Sodium Carbonate is added to laundry detergent for better cleaning.
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Dec 11, 2023
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
A mild alkaline substance, commonly used in baking.
We added Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate to make the cake batter rise.
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Dec 11, 2023
Sodium Carbonate
Known as washing soda, it softens water and removes stains.
We use Sodium Carbonate to remove stains from our white clothes.
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Dec 11, 2023
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Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
Known as baking soda, it has culinary and cleaning applications.
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate is used to clean kitchen counters gently.
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Dec 11, 2023
Sodium Carbonate
Used as a laboratory reagent in various chemical reactions.
In our experiment, Sodium Carbonate was used to neutralize acids.
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Dec 11, 2023
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
Acts as a leavening agent in baking by releasing carbon dioxide.
Cookies rise due to the CO2 released by Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate.
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Dec 11, 2023
Sodium Carbonate
Effective in treating hard water and as a descaling agent.
To combat hard water, we added Sodium Carbonate to our dishwasher.
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Dec 11, 2023
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
Found in personal care products for its mild abrasive properties.
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate is an ingredient in my toothpaste for gentle cleaning.
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Dec 11, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate safe to ingest?
Yes, in small amounts, it's safe and used as an antacid.
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Dec 20, 2023
Is Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate eco-friendly?
Yes, it's biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
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Dec 20, 2023
What makes Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate release CO2?
It reacts with acids, releasing CO2, which is used in baking to make dough rise.
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Dec 20, 2023
What is Sodium Carbonate?
It's a strong alkaline compound often used in cleaning and manufacturing.
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Dec 20, 2023
Why is Sodium Carbonate used in laundry detergents?
It softens water and enhances cleaning efficiency.
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Dec 20, 2023
Can Sodium Carbonate be used for delicate cleaning?
No, its strong nature can damage delicate surfaces.
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Dec 20, 2023
What is Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate?
Also known as baking soda, it's a mild alkaline substance used in cooking and cleaning.
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Dec 20, 2023
Is Sodium Carbonate harmful to skin?
Yes, it can irritate the skin and eyes and should be handled with care.
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Dec 20, 2023
Can Sodium Carbonate be used for cooking?
No, it's too caustic and not suitable for culinary use.
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Dec 20, 2023
Can Sodium Carbonate be used to treat hard water?
Yes, it's effective in softening hard water.
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Dec 20, 2023
What precautions should be taken when using Sodium Carbonate?
Wear protective gear and avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
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Dec 20, 2023
Does Sodium Carbonate have any medicinal uses?
No, it's generally not used for medicinal purposes due to its caustic nature.
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Dec 20, 2023
Is Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate found in toothpaste?
Yes, for its gentle cleaning and odor-neutralizing properties.
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Dec 20, 2023
Can I use Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate as a fire extinguisher?
Yes, it's effective in some types of fire extinguishers.
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Dec 20, 2023
How does Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate clean surfaces?
It acts as a mild abrasive and neutralizes acidic odors.
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Dec 20, 2023
How is Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate used in baking?
As a leavening agent, making baked goods rise by releasing CO2.
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Dec 20, 2023
Can I use Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate to treat acid indigestion?
Yes, it's an effective and safe antacid when used properly.
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Dec 20, 2023
What industries use Sodium Carbonate?
It's used in glassmaking, textiles, and cleaning product manufacturing.
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Dec 20, 2023
Is Sodium Carbonate safe for the environment?
Generally, yes, but it can alter the pH of water bodies.
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Dec 20, 2023
Is Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate effective in odor removal?
Yes, it neutralizes acidic odors and is often used as a deodorizer.
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Dec 20, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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