Hydrogen carbonates, also known as bicarbonates, are the salts containing the bicarbonate anion $\left( \text{HCO}_3^- \right)$. They often form when carbon dioxide is dissolved in water containing metal ions.
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Hydrogen carbonates are intermediate forms in the deprotonation of carbonic acid $\left( \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3 \right)$.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is a common example of a hydrogen carbonate.
Hydrogen carbonates are amphoteric, meaning they can react with both acids and bases.
They play a crucial role in buffering systems to maintain pH balance in biological systems.
Upon heating, hydrogen carbonates decompose to form carbonates, water, and carbon dioxide.
Review Questions
What is the chemical formula for the bicarbonate anion?
Name a common household product that contains sodium bicarbonate.
Explain why hydrogen carbonates are considered amphoteric.
Related terms
Carbonic Acid: A weak acid with the formula $\text{H}_2\text{CO}_3$ formed when CO$_2$ dissolves in water.
Carbonate: Salts or esters of carbonic acid containing the carbonate ion $\left( \text{CO}_3^{2-} \right)$.
Buffer System: A solution that resists changes in pH upon addition of small amounts of acids or bases. Hydrogen carbonate plays a role in biological buffer systems.