Baking soda and washing soda are some of the most widely used bases. They are commonly found in our homes and are used in our daily activities like washing, cooking, etc. Though the names of both compounds look similar, they differ slightly with respect to chemical properties and applications. Both of these salts have a common cation (sodium) but the anions (carbonate and bicarbonate) are different. In this article, we look at 18 bases of differentiation for baking soda vs washing soda.
Baking soda vs Washing soda
| Basis of differentiation | Washing Soda | Baking Soda |
| IUPAC name | It is a disodium salt of carbonic acid with alkalizing properties, and neutralizes gastric acid by acting as an antacid. | Sodium hydrogen carbonate |
| Common name | Sodium carbonate, soda ash or soda crystals | Sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda |
| Chemical formula | Na2CO3 | NaHCO3 |
| Appearance | As White solid | As White crystals |
| Odor | Odorless | Odorless |
| Density | 2.54g/cm3 | 2.20 g/cm3 |
| Description | It is used topically for dermatitides. Also used to clean skin and soften scabs of ringworm. | It is a monosodium salt of carbonic acid with alkalizing and electrolyte replacement properties. |
| Taste | Tasteless | Bitter |
| pH | Around 11 | Around 8 |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in water | Soluble in water |
| Decomposition | It begins to decompose at 400 degrees, which evolves into carbon dioxide gas. | When heated over 50â—¦C it releases CO2,H2O and Na2CO3. |
| Drug application | It is used topically for dermatitides. Also used to clean skin and to soften scabs of ringworm. | Used in the treatment of metabolic acidosis that occurs in severe renal diseases. |
| Drug warning | Large doses can cause toxicity causing death and collapse. | Contraindicated in metabolic or respiratory alkalosis |
| pharmacology Mechanism of action | It is an alkalizing agent that dissociates to provide a bicarbonate ion. It neutralizes stomach acid by acting as an antacid. | Baking soda therapy helps increase plasma bicarbonate, it also buffers excess hydrogen ion concentration but also raises blood pH and reverses acidosis. |
| Uses | Exposure to dust or vapors of sodium carbonate causes irritation of the mucous membranes with coughing, and shortness of breath. Irritation of skin and eye. Can cause corrosion of the gastrointestinal tract causing severe abdominal pain-diarrhea, and vomiting. | It is a commercial chemical. It is used as an ingredient in baking soda and beverages, fire extinguishers, cleaning compounds, and in human and animal pharmaceuticals. |
| Side effect | Exposure to dust or vapors of sodium carbonate causes irritation of the mucous membranes with coughing, and shortness of breath. Irritation of skin and eye. Can cause corrosion of the gastrointestinal tract causing severe abdominal pain-diarrhea, vomiting. | Weight gain due to sodium content Increased thirst, cramps, and gas may occur. Swelling of legs and blood in urine |
| Stability and reactivity | When washing soda is applied to red hot aluminum an explosion can occur. Can burn fiercely when in contact with fluoride. | It is stable in dry air but decomposes in moist air. Moderately soluble in water and slowly decomposes in it. |
| interesting facts | Washing soda is found in soil and water as hydrate thermonartrite. | Baking soda in eggshell formation in birds is produced by the activity of the enzyme Carbonic anhydrase. |
What is the difference between sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate?
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate and washing soda is sodium carbonate. You can use the above listed 18 differences to differentiate between sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.
See also
Acid, bases and salts
50 uses of acids
20 Uses of Acetic Acid (CH3COOH)
50 uses of bases
7 Types of salt in chemistry
100 Examples of acids
10 Types of acids
15 Acids and Bases at home
40 Uses of citric acid
15 Differences between acids and bases
