Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate (chemical formula NaHCO₃), is a white, crystalline alkaline powder commonly used in cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene
. It acts as a leavening agent in baking by reacting with acidic ingredients (like vinegar, lemon juice, buttermilk, or yogurt) to produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes dough or batter to rise and become light and fluffy
. Baking soda can also release carbon dioxide when heated above about 80°C, contributing to leavening even without an acid present
. In addition to baking, baking soda is widely used as a household cleaner due to its odor-neutralizing and gentle abrasive properties, making it effective for removing stains and cleaning surfaces
. It is also used in laundry detergents and has various industrial and medicinal applications. Baking soda is naturally found as the mineral nahcolite and is commercially produced mainly from trona ore or nahcolite deposits in the United States
. Despite common confusion, baking soda does not contain aluminum, unlike baking powder
. In summary, baking soda is a versatile, naturally occurring chemical compound primarily used as a leavening agent in baking and a multi-purpose cleaning agent
