Baking Soda Chemical Formula (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Molecular Formula for Baking Soda or Sodium Bicarbonate

This is the chemical formula of baking soda, showing its ions in water.
This is the chemical formula of baking soda, showing its ions in water. Anne Helmenstine
by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
Updated August 24, 2017

Baking soda is the common name for the chemical sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate. The molecular formula of sodium bicarbonate is NaHCO3. The compound is a salt that dissociates into sodium (Na+) cation and carbonate (CO3-) anions in water. Baking soda is an alkaline white crystalline solid, usually sold as a powder. It has a slightly salty flavor.