Cream of tartar and baking soda

  • Thread starter Sulfur
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In summary: Basically, you mix cream of tartar, baking soda, and water together and it creates carbon dioxide and water.
  • #1
Sulfur
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what happens when you mix cream of tartar, baking soda, and water together?
(i've never had time to try this):confused:

KHC4H4O6 + NaHCO3 + H2O = ?
 
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  • #2
What cream of tartar is (chemically)?
 
  • #3
Cream of tartar is KHC4H4O6
 
  • #4
I am not asking for formula, I am asking for properties.

Even checking the correct chemical name (not a common name) can give you a hint.
 
  • #5
Potassium bitartrate, also known as potassium hydrogen tartrate, has formula KC4H5O6, is a byproduct of winemaking. In cooking it is known as cream of tartar. It is the potassium acid salt of tartaric acid, a carboxylic acid. Also is, according to NIST, used as a primary reference standard for a pH buffer. Using an excess of the salt in water, a saturated solution is created with a pH of 3.557 at 25 °C. Upon dissolution in water, potassium bitartrate will dissociate into acid tartrate, tartrate, and potassium ions. Thus, a saturated solution creates a buffer with standard pH. Before use as a standard, it is recommended that the solution be filtered or decanted between 22 °C and 28 °C.[5]

Potassium carbonate can be made by igniting cream of tartar producing "pearl ash". This process is now obsolete but produced a higher quality (reasonable purity) than "potash" extracted from wood or other plant ashes.
from Wikipedia
I hope this helps :smile:
 
  • #6
It was you who asked the question, so apparently it didn't help as of yet :-p

Potassium hydrogen tartrate

or

potassium acid salt of tartaric acid, a carboxylic acid

Both names show it is not fully neutralized acid. It is even enforced by this statement:

saturated solution is created with a pH of 3.557

Low pH, it is an acidic solution.

What kind of reaction could you expect when you mix an acid with a hydrogen carbonate?
 
  • #7
umm... it makes CO2 or some other gas? :rolleyes:.. and fizzes?
 
  • #8
No other gas, just CO2 and water. And some fizzing.

Wasn't that hard.
 

FAQ: Cream of tartar and baking soda

What is the difference between cream of tartar and baking soda?

Cream of tartar is a powdered acid, also known as tartaric acid, that is often used in baking to stabilize egg whites and add a tangy flavor. Baking soda, on the other hand, is a leavening agent that helps baked goods rise by reacting with acidic ingredients in the batter or dough.

Can cream of tartar be substituted for baking soda or vice versa?

While cream of tartar and baking soda both have leavening properties, they cannot be used interchangeably. Baking soda needs an acidic ingredient to activate it, while cream of tartar is already acidic and is often used in recipes that do not have other acidic ingredients.

What happens if I omit cream of tartar or baking soda in a recipe?

If you omit cream of tartar in a recipe that calls for it, you may notice a difference in texture and flavor of the final product. For example, omitting cream of tartar in meringues may result in a less stable and more watery texture. If you omit baking soda, your baked goods may not rise as much and may have a denser texture.

Are there any health benefits to using cream of tartar and baking soda?

While there is limited research on the health benefits of cream of tartar and baking soda, they have been used in traditional and natural medicine for various purposes. Some sources claim that cream of tartar can help with urinary tract infections and baking soda can help with indigestion and heartburn. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using them for medicinal purposes.

Can cream of tartar and baking soda be used for anything besides baking?

Cream of tartar and baking soda have various household and cleaning uses. For example, a mixture of baking soda and water can be used as a natural cleaner for kitchen surfaces, and a paste of cream of tartar and lemon juice can help remove stains from clothing. They can also be used as a DIY deodorant or toothpaste. However, as with any household product, it is important to follow safety precautions and use them as directed.

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