The key difference between sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate is that sodium carbonate is a stronger alkaline compound often used as a cleaning agent, while sodium bicarbonate is a milder compound commonly known as baking soda.
What is Sodium Carbonate?
Sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash or washing soda, is a chemical compound with the formula Na2CO3. It’s a white, odorless powder and has a variety of uses. It’s commonly used in manufacturing glass, soaps, and detergents.
It can also be employed as a water softener, pH regulator, and in cleaning products due to its alkaline nature. In the food industry, it’s used as a raising agent in baking.
Sodium carbonate can be synthesized from sodium chloride through the Solvay process or obtained naturally from certain mineral deposits.
What is Sodium Bicarbonate?
Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is a white crystalline powder with various uses. It acts as a leavening agent in baking, producing carbon dioxide to help the dough rise. It’s used in fire extinguishers to suppress grease fires.
In medicine, it can be an antacid to alleviate heartburn and indigestion. It’s also employed in cleaning and deodorizing due to its mild abrasive and odor-neutralizing properties.
Sodium bicarbonate can even be used in personal care as a toothpaste ingredient or as a remedy for insect bites and sunburns.
Sodium Carbonate vs Sodium Bicarbonate
The basic difference between sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate is given below:
| Property | Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash) | Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) |
| Chemical Formula | Na2CO3 | NaHCO3 |
| Common Uses | Glass manufacturing, cleaning agents | Baking, cooking, antacid |
| Solubility | Soluble in water | Soluble in water |
| pH | Alkaline | Slightly alkaline |
| Reaction with Acid | Produces carbon dioxide gas | Produces carbon dioxide gas |
| Reaction with Heat | Decomposes to form sodium oxide | Decomposes to form water and CO2 |
| Appearance | White powder or crystals | White powder |