Question

Bicarbonate is NaHCO3. Which reactant could this substance provide with little adaptation?

Answers

GPT-4o mini
Bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), also known as sodium bicarbonate or baking soda, can provide bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻) when dissolved in water. This makes it useful for various chemical reactions where a source of bicarbonate is needed.

One of the most common reactants that bicarbonate can provide is carbon dioxide (CO₂) when it decomposes. For example, when sodium bicarbonate is heated or reacts with an acid (like acetic acid in vinegar), it can release carbon dioxide gas:

1. **Decomposition Reaction (Heating)**:
\[ 2 \text{NaHCO}_3 (s) \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 (s) + \text{CO}_2 (g) + \text{H}_2\text{O} (g) \]

2. **Reaction with Acid**:
\[ \text{NaHCO}_3 (s) + \text{HAc} (aq) \rightarrow \text{NaAc} (aq) + \text{CO}_2 (g) + \text{H}_2\text{O} (l) \]
(where HAc is acetic acid).

Thus, bicarbonate can be readily used to produce carbon dioxide in various reactions with minimal adaptation.