Study notes on "SOME COMMONLY USED SALTS " (part 1)

SOME COMMONLY USED SALTS

BAKING SODA

• Chemically baking soda is sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHCO₃.
• Baking soda is manufactured by Solvey’s process.

USES

1. Used for cooking of certain foods.

2. For making baking power (a mixture of sodium hydrogen carbonate and tartaric acid). On heating during baking, baking soda gives off carbon dioxide. It is this carbon dioxide which raises the dough. The sodium carbonate produced on heating the baking soda gives a bitter taste. Therefore, instead of using the baking soda alone, baking powder is used. The tartaric acid present in it neutralises the sodium carbonate to avoid its bitter taste. Cakes and pastries are made flufly and soft by using baking powder.

3. In medicines Being a mild and non-corrosive base, baking soda is used in medicines to neutralise the excessive acid in the stomach and provide relief. Mixed with solid

edible acids such as citric or tartaric acid, it is used in effervescent drinks to cure

indigestion.

4. In soda acid fire extinguishers.

WASHING SODA

• Chemically, washing soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, Na₂CO₃.10H₂O.
• Washing soda is manufacturing by Solvey’s process.

USES

1. It is used in the manufacture of caustic soda, glass, soap powders, borex and

in paper industry.

2. For removing permanent hardness of water.

3. As a cleansing agent for domestic purpose.

To be continued...