Solution

Baking soda is sodium hydrogen carbonate or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃). It is obtained as an intermediate product in the preparation of sodium carbonate by solvay process. In this process, a saturated solution of sodium chloride in water and ammonia and carbon dioxide is passed. NaCl is converted to NaHCO₃ which being less soluble, separates out from the solution. (1) 2NH₃(g) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g) (NH₄)₂CO₃(aq) (2) (NH₄)₂CO₃(aq) +2NaCl(aq) → Na₂CO₃(aq) +2NH₄Cl (3) Na₂CO₃(aq) + H₂O(1) + CO₂(g) → 2NaHCO₃(s) Two uses of baking soda are- 1. It is used in the manufacture of baking powder. 2. It is used in fire extinguishers.