Bicarbonate

This refers to the bicarbonate ion, for baking soda, see Sodium bicarbonate.

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A Bicarbonate or, more properly, a hydrogen carbonate is a polyatomic ion whose formula is HCO3-. It is the intermediate form in the deprotonation of carbonic acid: removing the first proton from carbonic acid forms bicarbonate; removing the second proton leads to the carbonate ion.

Related Topics:
Polyatomic ion - Formula - H - C - O - Deprotonation - Carbonic acid - Proton - Carbonate

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The salts which contain the bicarbonate ion are also known as bicarbonates, such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) NaHCO3. Bicarbonates, when exposed to an acid such as acetic acid of vinegar, release carbon dioxide. This is used to cause breads to rise in cooking and to propel toy rockets.

Related Topics:
Salt - Sodium bicarbonate - Acid - Acetic acid - Vinegar - Carbon dioxide - Bread - Cooking

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The bicarbonate/carbonate ionic system is also a buffer in blood.

Related Topics:
Buffer - Blood

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Bicarbonates are more correctly named hydrogen carbonates in the chemical nomenclature system. Occasionally they are referred to as "acid carbonates".

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