Calcium bicarbonate

Calcium bicarbonate, chemical formula HCO₃⁻,Ca²⁺, is a compound that is often referred to as calcium bicarbonate. It is a salt that is formed by a combination of bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻) and calcium ion (Ca²⁺).

This compound is soluble in water and forms a weakly acidic solution because the bicarbonate ion reacts with water to release carbonic acid (CO₂), which can form bubbles. Calcium bicarbonate occurs naturally in a mineral called nahcolite and is also a common component of most mineral waters and some mineral springs.

In the food industry, calcium bicarbonate is used as a leavening agent in baking because it releases carbon dioxide when heated, which causes an airy effect in the dough and makes baked goods fluffy and soft.

In medicine, calcium bicarbonate can be used to treat stomach irritation or heartburn because it can neutralize the acidity of gastric juice.

Calcium bicarbonate can also be part of water systems, but it can contribute to the formation of limestone deposits, which we mentioned in the previous answer.