Question

A compound 'A' is used in fire extingushion, as an ant acid and its small amount is also used in making bakery items.Identify the compound and explain the reason for above mentioned uses of compound 'A'

Answer 1

Task:

A compound 'A' is used in fire extinguisher, as an ant acid and its small amount is also used in making bakery items. Identify the compound and explain the reason for above mentioned uses of compound 'A'

Answer:

The compound A is $\mathrm{NaHCO}_3$

1) $\mathrm{NaHCO}_3$ as an antacid

The reaction that occurs in the stomach is

$$\mathrm{NaHCO}_3(\mathrm{s}) + \mathrm{HCl}(\mathrm{l}) \rightarrow \mathrm{NaCl}(\mathrm{aq}) + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}(\mathrm{l}) + \mathrm{CO}_2(\mathrm{g})$$

The acid is neutralized.

2) $\mathrm{NaHCO}_3$ as a fire extinguisher

Particularly, when heated, $\mathrm{NaHCO}_3$ decomposes to release $\mathrm{CO}_2$ gas which keeps oxygen out of the fire system.

$$2\mathrm{NaHCO}_3 \rightarrow \mathrm{Na}_2\mathrm{CO}_3 + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} + \mathrm{CO}_2 \text{ at } 200^\circ\mathrm{C}$$ $$\mathrm{Na}_2\mathrm{CO}_3 \rightarrow \mathrm{Na}_2\mathrm{O} + \mathrm{CO}_2 \text{ at } 1000^\circ\mathrm{C}$$

3) $\mathrm{NaHCO}_3$ as a bakery soda

It reacts with acidic components in batters, releasing carbon dioxide, which causes expansion of the batter and forms the characteristic texture in cakes.

The reaction is

$$\mathrm{NaHCO}_3 + \mathrm{H}^+ = \mathrm{Na}^+ + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} + \mathrm{CO}_2$$