Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula NaHCO3. It appears as a white crystalline solid and functions primarily as a leavening agent in baking through acid-base reactions that release CO2. It acts as an effective pH buffer in aqueous solutions, an antacid for gastrointestinal relief, and a mild abrasive in cleaning products. Upon heating above 50°C it decomposes to sodium carbonate, water, and carbon dioxide. Highly soluble in water (approximately 9.6 g/100 mL at 20°C), it is used extensively in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and fire extinguishers. Its mild alkalinity makes it valuable for neutralizing acids without causing excessive pH shifts.