Sodium Bicarbonate

1Identification

Name

Sodium Bicarbonate

IUPAC name

sodium hydrogen carbonate

CAS number

144-55-8

EC number

205-633-8

Molecular formula

CHNaO3

Molecular weight

84.007 g/mol

InChIKey

UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M

SMILES

C(=O)(O)[O-].[Na+]

PubChem CID

516892

Synonyms

SODIUM BICARBONATE, Sodium hydrogen carbonate, Baking soda, Sodium hydrogencarbonate, Sodium acid carbonate, Bicarbonate of soda, Carbonic acid monosodium salt, Meylon, NaHCO3, Neut, Col-evac, Monosodium carbonate, Natriumhydrogenkarbonat, Sel De vichy

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Sodium Bicarbonate
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Used in baking powder and other food additives; Used in soaps, detergents, mouthwashes, antacids, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics; fire extinguishers, animal feed additives, and in the production of many other chemicals; Also used in leather tanning and paper production; [CHEMINFO]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Pulp and Paper Processing [Category: Industry] Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry] Farming (Feed Additives) [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Processing aids not otherwise specified Surfactant (surface active agent) Abrasives pH regulating agent Foamant Anti-freeze agent Other CBI Pigment Intermediate Adsorbent Laboratory chemicals Absorbent Stabilizing agent Catalyst Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• pH regulating agent Abrasives Surfactant (surface active agent) Processing aids not otherwise specified Deodorizer Other Anti-freeze agent Foamant Intermediate Chelating agent Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Catalyst Cleaning agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Processing Aids and Additives · Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern · Food additives · Fragrance Ingredients

Description

• Sodium bicarbonate appears as odorless white crystalline powder or lumps. Slightly alkaline (bitter) taste. pH (of freshly prepared 0.1 molar aqueous solution): 8.3 at 77 °F. pH (of saturated solution): 8-9. Non-toxic.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Sodium hydrogencarbonate is an organic sodium salt and a one-carbon compound. It has a role as an antacid and a food anticaking agent. It contains a hydrogencarbonate.
  ChEBI
• Sodium bicarbonate is a white, crystalline powder that is commonly used as a pH buffering agent, an electrolyte replenisher, systemic alkalizer and in topical cleansing solutions.
  DrugBank

2Hazard identification

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 2 of the supplier's SDS.

Health hazards

• SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound include irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat, coughing, chest discomfort and gastrointestinal disturbance. It may cause distention or rupture of the stomach, systemic alkalosis, edema and expansion of extracellular fluid volume. Severe alkalosis may be characterized by hyperirritability and tetany. It can cause cerebral edema leading to death. It may also cause renal injury. ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: When heated to decomposition this compound emits toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sodium oxides. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Literature sources indicate that this chemical is noncombustible. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Not combustible.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• A skin and eye irritant; May cause alkalosis if ingested in large amounts; [CAMEO]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• No acute symptoms expected.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Environmental precautions: No special environmental precautions required. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Wash away remainder with plenty of water.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Keep in a dry place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Sodium bicarbonate tablets and effervescent tablets should be stored in tightly closed containers at a temperature less than 40 °C, preferably between 15-30 °C. Sodium bicarbonate injection should be stored at a temperature less than 40 °C, preferably between 15-30 °C; freezing should be avoided.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• /Stored/ separated from acids.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is stored, weighed and diluted, wear an approved half face respirator equipped with an organic vapor/acid gas cartridge (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas and SO2) with a dust/mist filter. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Eye/face protection: Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Skin protection: Handle with gloves.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Body Protection: Choose body protection in relation to its type, to the concentration and amount of dangerous substances, and to the specific work-place. The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• SODIUM BICARBONATE reacts exothermically with acids to generate non-toxic carbon dioxide gas. Decomposes when heated. Incompatible with acids, acidic salts (dopamine hydrochloride, pentazocine lactate, many alkaloidal salts) aspirin and bismuth salicylate.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Stable in dry air, but slowly decomposes in moist air. Moderately water soluble. Decomposes slowly in water (accelerated by agitation) (NTP, 1992).
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Incompatible materials: Strong acids, strong oxidizing agents.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• A mixture /of sodium hydrogen carbonate, carbon and water/ was being stirred and steam heated when power failure interrupted stirring, and heating was turned off for a hour before power was restored. When stirring was restarted, the hot contents of the pan erupted immediately. Carbon dioxide is evolved from warm aqueous solutions of the base, and absence of stirring and presence of the carbon adsorbent would lead to non-equilibrium retention of the gas, which would be released instantaneously on stirring.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Several cases of spontaneous ignition after exposure to air of fine coke particles removed from filter strainers on a petroleum refinery furfural extraction unit have been noted. This has been associated with the use of sodium hydrogen carbonate (bicarbonate) injected into the plant for pH control, which produced a pH of 10.5 locally. This would tend to resinify the aldehyde, but there is also the possibility of a Cannizzaro reaction causing conversion of the aldehyde to furfuryl alcohol and furoic acid. The latter, together with other acidic products of autoxidation of the aldehyde, would tend to resinify the furfuryl alcohol.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Stable under recommended storage conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is mildly irritating to the eyes.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Unless specifically excluded, residues resulting from the use of the following substances as either an inert or an active ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation, including antimicrobial pesticide chemicals, are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance under FFDCA section 408, if such use is in accordance with good agricultural or manufacturing practices. Sodium bicarbonate is included on this list.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The biochemical pesticide sodium bicarbonate is exempted from the requirement of a tolerance in or on all raw agricultural commodities when applied as a fungicide or post-harvest fungicide in accordance with good agricultural practices.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Substance added directly to human food affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 516892 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.