Name: Patricia Gamarra Vargas

Professors Name: Kevin M. Okleberry

Subject: Signature Assignment

Date: 12/11/2017

Baking Soda and its Applications

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is a very useful chemical used in

various applications. The most common application is as a leavening agent for baking and

cooking. It is also a very effective cleaning agent. Baking soda comes from a colorless or

white carbonate mineral called nahcolite. Baking soda appears white and very fine powder.

It is odorless and soluble in water. It has a melting point of about 60 degrees Celsius and it

doesnt have a flash point and boiling point. This substance is basic with a pH of about 8.2

(Smith).

There are many practical uses of baking soda that makes them very useful. Baking

soda can be used to eliminate bad odors in the refrigerator. Baking sodas are amphoteric

and can react to both acids and bases. It has a deodorizing power and can remove the bad

odors coming from strong acids or strong bases. It works by bringing both the basic and

acidic odor molecules into their neutral states which are free from odor (Oconto). So when

they are placed in the refrigerators, they can remove the stinky smells coming from the

different foods stored in it. When they are placed in refrigerators, they instantly take away

the odors that caused the stinky smell in refrigerators.

 Baking soda is also a powerful ingredient that can be used to remove skunk smell.

The chemical compound thiols that is mostly found in the skunks noxious spray can be

made at home through these ingredients: Hydrogren peroxide, baking soda, and liquid

soap.As discovered by Chemist Paul Krebaun, this combination of ingredients can turn the

thiols with bad odor into an odorless acid. There is a neutralizing effect in the combination

of these ingredients to the bad odor thiols (Vantassel et al). Baking soda acts as catalyst that

aids the hydrogen peroxide oxidize thiols turning it into a water soluble stink free

sulfonates with no smell. The chemical reaction can be seen as (Youtube):

Figure: Chemical reaction of Thiol with baking soda (Youtube)

The ability of baking soda to remove skunk smell, they can be used in various

applications. They can be applied to pets to remove the foul smell on their furs. This

combination of ingredients would not hurt the animal since they are organic and not

chemical based. Baking soda is non-toxic and has no harmful effects.

Baking soda is also a very important ingredient in baking and cooking. When it is

heated to more than 80 degrees Celsius, this substance starts to breakdown forming various
compounds such as water, carbon dioxide and sodium carbonate. The chemical reaction is

summed up to this (Catalyst):

The reaction where carbon dioxide is released causes the products to rise. When the

temperature is higher, the reaction would be faster (Catalyst). Baking soda is a good

leavening agent. It is able to increase the surface area of the dough or batter causing it to

increase or rise, become porous and light. It also reacts with the acidic ingredients of the

dough to render a tasteless and neutral taste. It has been used for generations and has been a

standard ingredient in many recipes (Oconto). This is the reason why baking soda is always

a basic ingredient in many recipes. They are very useful. They are not harmful and can be

taken in as food.

Baking soda is also a good cleaning agent. It is a mild alkali that causes grease and

dirt to easily dissolve in water, making them easy to be removed. Baking soda is also very

effective and safe to use for various surfaces such as glass, enamel, plastic, steel, and

chrome. It is non-toxic since it is a pure and natural product. Unlike any other household

cleaning agents that are composed of heavy metals, baking soda has no side effects. It is

safe to use even when there are children around. They are used to pets and very ideal for

cleaning surfaces where food is prepared. It is one of the best products to store at home

since they can be used to clean tubs, sinks, plastics containers, tiles, microwaves, and even

the teeth. The application of baking soda is very broad and they are largely available for

commercial kitchen uses.

 References:

Catalyst. The Thermal decomposition of sodium hydrogen carbonate (or:Making

honeycomb).

Catalyst. 2014

Oconto.uwex.edu. Baking SodaThe Everyday Miracle. Nd.

https://oconto.uwex.edu/files/2011/02/Baking-Soda.pdf

Smith, H. Physical and Chemical Properties of Sodium Bicarbonate. Sciencing. 2017.

Vantassel, S. Hygnstrom, S., Ferraro, D. Removing Skunk Odor. NebGuide. 2011.

https://wildlife.unl.edu/pdfs/removing-skunk-odor.pdf

Youtube. Baking Soda Life Hacks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85diRmuk-ow