Sodium bicarbonate is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO₃. It is a salt composed of sodium ions and bicarbonate ions. Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline but often appears as a fine powder. It has a slightly salty, alkaline taste resembling that of washing soda (sodium carbonate). The natural mineral form is nahcolite.   It is among the food additives encoded by European Union, identified as E 500. Since it has long been known and is widely used, the salt has many related names such as baking soda, bread soda, cooking soda, and bicarbonate of soda.

Sodium bicarbonate, referred to as "baking soda", is primarily used in baking, as a leavening agent. It reacts with acidic components in batters, releasing carbon dioxide, which causes expansion of the batter and forms the characteristic texture and grain in pancakes, cakes, quick breads, soda bread, and other baked and fried foods.

Sodium bicarbonate can be substituted for baking powder provided sufficient acid reagent is also added to the recipe.

Sodium bicarbonate can be used in various industries such as medical uses , as a cleaning agent , as a biopesticide , cosmetic and etc.

wikipedia