Sodium carbonate (E500)

Substances are fake baking powder, have a slight hazard. E500 – elements that are used in different qualities. Baking soda prevents clumping. In life, sodium carbonate is called soda. In terms of chemical components, this is nothing more than ordinary derivatives of carbonic acid.

The solution is most often used in cooking in the form of sodium carbonate, bicarbonate, or mixtures thereof.

Brief information

The name comes from Latin, from the name of the plant. In past centuries, it was diligently obtained from the ashes. Soda ash was created at the end of the 18th century by Leblanc, but food – in 1861 by Solvay.

Sodium carbonate acid is obtained in several ways. The most common of these is the Solvay method. More than 90% of all volumes of industrial substance are extracted in this way. This requires sodium chloride, ammonia.

The substance is obtained in the process of calcination (increase in temperature values). From this it is called calcified. A number of countries receive from deposits. It is also produced industrially in those regions where there are no mineral deposits.

Synthesis techniques

Use “dry” and “wet” methods. The process is based on carbonization (addition of carbon dioxide). Recrystallization transformations are noted. Methods differ in the preparation of the solution. When dry, calcined elements dissolve with water, and when wet, technical bicarbonate is used.

The decomposition of a substance with a gradual increase in temperature is called decarbonization.

Soda elements of the solution are precipitated under the influence of carbon dioxide. Pure food soda part is separated, and the uterine components are again used to obtain the primary solution.

Main properties

The mass of unique characteristics determined the valuable role of the element for a person. The appearance is a colorless crystalline elements. Sometimes there are forms of a powdery element of a whitish color.

In terms of general educational qualities, the food emulsifier has a rather high melting point (853 degrees).

The substance does not lose its ability to perfectly dissolve in water structures (unlike ethanol). The peculiarity lies in the ability to absorb carbon dioxide.

Application

The mass fraction of sodium carbonate is quite significant in confectionery and in cooking in general. After all, the substance is simply indispensable in the preparation of baking. Often, E500 is included both in finished products and in mixtures.

Soda can be found in:

• sausage;
• meat products;
• dry milk;
• products that contain cocoa powder.

Soda is also used in various industrial sectors. Most of all it is used in the glass industry, non-ferrous metallurgy, chemical production.

Features of use in cooking

Baking soda is an indispensable element of the additive, which is used in the composition of products as a baking powder. It is possible to detect it in condensed milk, marmalade, jam, margarine.

The interaction of sodium carbonate with products is used during the preparation of pretzels and rolls. The technology of such non-standard treatment with a diluted alkaline substance is fully justified. So you can safely change the acidity of products. As a result, this leads to the appearance of an unusually crisp crust on the surface of the product. Sodium carbonate is an essential element. Without it, you will never get the perfect noodles. The thing is that the tenderness of the soda element in the brine preserves the taste quality of the pasta. The additive is used in the preparation of sherbet. This is how carbonate and mild acidic elements work. In this case, carbon dioxide is formed due to saliva.

Sulfuric acid sodium carbonate is found in most oral and dental care pastes. It is a foaming agent, an abrasive that temporarily minimizes the acidity in the mouth. Many diseases are prevented in this way.

Impact

According to the results of numerical world studies, the reactions of sodium carbonate do not cause any harm to the cells of the body. That is, the substance is listed in the category of non-hazardous additives. Without an overdose, it never harms anyone.

But carbonate acid still carries some harm.

There are proven facts according to which a sensitive organism does not tolerate a substance well. There is difficulty breathing, fainting.

Experiments have shown that the formula of this substance adversely affects the liver and brain of a living organism. Long-term consumption of products with E500 increases the risk of allergic reactions on the hands and head.

Sodium carbonate and hydrochloric acid are the best known antagonists. Their opposite influence has been known for a long time. There is even an old way to beat heartburn – stir soda in water. “Fire” will disappear in a matter of minutes. This is not a therapy at all. The technique effectively and soon allows you to get rid of heartburn for a short period. An excess of soda can provoke cramps, even allergic symptoms.

On the territory of many countries, the use of E500 as a food additive is allowed.

Packing, transportation

Move this substance by any transport, but only in tightly closed objects. The element is completely safe, since it is devoid of even minimal toxicity. The soda element is stored only in closed packages. It is extremely important to prevent the presence of moisture in this structure. During the year, the warranty period for the preservation of the soda solution expires. At the same time, the total shelf life is not limited.

The soda element can rightfully be called the main baking powder in baking. This substance releases carbon dioxide when heated. Due to this, the dough becomes soft, fluffy. Soda acts as an independent loosening agent or in the complex composition of baking powder. It is important not to overdo it with the dosage. The soda element leaves a rather unpleasant, but tasteless aftertaste in the finished product. It is important to add soda to flour, acidic components – only to liquid.