Use
Sodium bicarbonate is used in the chemical industry as a buff ering agent, a blowingagent, a catalyst, and a chemical feedstock. Sodium bicarbonate is used in the leather tanningindustry for pretreating and cleaning hides and to control pH during the tanning process.Heating sodium bicarbonate produces sodium carbonate, which is used for soap and glassmaking.Sodium bicarbonate is incorporated into pharmaceuticals to serve as an antacid, abuff ering agent, and in formulations as a source of carbon dioxide in eff ervescent tablets. Drychemical type BC fire extinguishers contain sodium bicarbonate (or potassium bicarbonate).Other uses of bicarbonate include pulp and paper processing, water treatment, and oil welldrilling.