Question

How would you distinguish between baking powder and washing soda by heating?

September 29, 2024

Answer

The chemical formula of backing powder is sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO₃); whereas, that of washing soda is sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃. 10H₂O).

Sodium hydrogen carbonate on heating gives CO₂ gas which will turn lime water milky whereas no such gas is obtained from sodium carbonate.

2NaHCO₃ ${\overset{heat}{\longrightarrow}}$ Na2CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂

Na2CO₃.10H₂O ${\overset{heat}{\longrightarrow}}$ Na₂CO₃ + 10H₂O

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