The heat itself can also cause sodium bicarbonate to act as a leavening agent in baking due to pyrolysis, releasing carbon dioxide at temperatures above 80 °C (180 °F), as follows:[18]
2 NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2
When used alone in this way, in the absence of acidic ingredients (either in the batter or through the use of acid-containing baking powder), only half of the available CO2 is released (one molecule of CO2 is formed per two equivalents of carbonic acid sodium hydrogen). In addition, thermal decomposition of sodium bicarbonate in the absence of acid also produces sodium carbonate, which is strongly alkaline and gives baked products a bitter, "soapy" taste and yellow color. Since the reaction occurs slowly at room temperature, mixtures (cake batters, etc.) can be left unleavened until they are warmed up in the oven.
Sodium bicarbonate can be used to extinguish small grease or electrical fires by throwing it on the fire, as heating sodium bicarbonate releases carbon dioxide. [29] However, it should not be used over a fire in a deep fryer; the sudden release of gas may cause grease to splatter. [29] Sodium bicarbonate is used in BC dry chemical extinguishers as a replacement for the more aggressive monoammonium phosphate in ABC extinguishers. The alkalinity of sodium bicarbonate makes it the only dry chemical, other than Purple-K, used in large fire suppression systems installed in commercial kitchens. Because it acts as a base, the agent has a mild saponifying effect on hot oils, forming a choking soap suds.
Sodium bicarbonate reacts spontaneously with the acid, releasing CO2 gas as a reaction product. It is commonly used to neutralize unwanted acid solutions or acid spills in chemical laboratories. [30] Neutralization of bases [31] with sodium bicarbonate is inappropriate even though it is amphoteric and reacts with both acids and bases
Applying sodium bicarbonate to the leaves will prevent the growth of the fungus; however, it will not kill the fungus. Excess sodium bicarbonate can cause fruit discoloration (2 percent solution) and chlorosis (1 percent solution).
