Sodium Carbonate vs. Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on December 23, 2023
Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3) is a basic salt, while Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (NaHCO3) is an acidic salt with an additional hydrogen atom.
Difference Between Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sodium Carbonate, commonly known as washing soda, is a white crystalline solid used in the manufacturing of glass and as a water softener in laundry.
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, often referred to as baking soda, is a white powder and is primarily used in cooking as a leavening agent. Both these compounds belong to the family of salts, but they differ chemically and functionally.
Sodium Carbonate can act as a stronger base in reactions, making it useful in various industrial processes. In contrast, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate's mildly acidic nature makes it beneficial for culinary and medicinal applications.
Furthermore, the pH of aqueous solutions of Sodium Carbonate is higher (more alkaline) than that of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate. This makes Sodium Carbonate a more aggressive cleaning agent, whereas Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate's gentler pH allows for diverse uses, including toothpaste and antacids.
Comparison Chart
Chemical Formula
Na2CO3
NaHCO3
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Common Name
Washing soda
Baking soda
PH of Aqueous Solution
Alkaline (higher pH)
Less alkaline (mildly acidic)
Primary Use
Manufacturing glass, water softening
Cooking (leavening agent), antacids
Nature
Basic
Mildly acidic
Compare with Definitions
Sodium Carbonate
Sodium Carbonate is derived from the soda ash obtained from the trona mineral.
The industry often extracts Sodium Carbonate directly from natural soda ash sources.
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate is a white powdery substance with the chemical formula NaHCO3.
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate releases carbon dioxide when heated, making baked goods rise.
Sodium Carbonate
Sodium Carbonate, known as washing soda, acts as a water softener in laundry.
She added Sodium Carbonate to the washing machine to soften the hard water.
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate is mildly abrasive and is sometimes used in toothpastes.
The Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate in her toothpaste helped remove stains from her teeth.
Sodium Carbonate
It is an inorganic salt with alkaline properties.
Due to its alkalinity, Sodium Carbonate is effective in pH regulation.
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
It's a buffer agent, helping to maintain stable pH levels.
Gardeners use Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate to neutralize overly acidic soil.
Sodium Carbonate
Sodium Carbonate is a white crystalline compound with the formula Na2CO3.
Sodium Carbonate is used in the production of detergents.
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
Commonly called baking soda, it's used as a leavening agent in baking.
She added Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate to the cookie dough for a fluffy texture.
Sodium Carbonate
In the glass manufacturing process, Sodium Carbonate reduces the melting temperature of silica.
The addition of Sodium Carbonate in glass production saves energy by lowering required furnace temperatures.
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
It has mild antacid properties and can neutralize stomach acid.
For quick relief from heartburn, some people drink a solution containing Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate.
Common Curiosities
What's another name for Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate?
Another name for Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate is baking soda.
Is Sodium Carbonate safe to consume?
Sodium Carbonate is generally not consumed in its pure form; it can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.
Can Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate be used as a cleaning agent?
Yes, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate can be used for cleaning due to its mild abrasive properties.
How does Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate react with acids?
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas.
Is Sodium Carbonate the same as table salt?
No, Sodium Carbonate is different from table salt (which is Sodium Chloride or NaCl).
Can I use Sodium Carbonate to clean my oven?
Yes, Sodium Carbonate can be used as a cleaning agent due to its alkaline nature.
Is Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate alkaline or acidic?
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate is mildly acidic.
What is the chemical formula for Sodium Carbonate?
The chemical formula for Sodium Carbonate is Na2CO3.
Can I use Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate for baking?
Yes, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate is commonly used as a leavening agent in baking.
Why is Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate used in antacids?
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate neutralizes stomach acid due to its mildly antacid properties.
What is the main use of Sodium Carbonate in the industry?
Sodium Carbonate is primarily used in the glass manufacturing industry.
Can Sodium Carbonate act as a pH regulator?
Yes, due to its alkaline properties, Sodium Carbonate can be used as a pH regulator.
How does Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate affect the taste of baked goods?
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate can impart a slightly tangy taste to baked goods if not balanced with an acid.
Where does Sodium Carbonate naturally occur?
Sodium Carbonate naturally occurs in the mineral trona.
Is it safe to handle Sodium Carbonate with bare hands?
While Sodium Carbonate is not highly toxic, it can be irritating to the skin, so it's recommended to use gloves when handling it in pure form.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
