Reaction of Hydrogen Carbonate with Dilute Hydrochloric Acid
Hydrogen carbonate (bicarbonate) reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to form carbon dioxide gas, water, and chloride ions. The chemical equation for this reaction is as follows:
HCO3- + HCl -> CO2 + H2O + Cl-

Details of the Reaction
- When hydrogen carbonate reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, the hydrogen carbonate ion (HCO3-) donates a proton to the hydrogen ion (H+) from the hydrochloric acid.
- This proton transfer results in the formation of carbon dioxide gas (CO2), water (H2O), and chloride ions (Cl-).
- The carbon dioxide gas is released as bubbles during the reaction, making it visually evident that a gas is being produced.
- The chloride ions formed in the reaction remain in solution, contributing to the overall ionic balance of the solution.
- This reaction is a type of acid-base reaction, where the hydrogen carbonate acts as a base and the hydrochloric acid acts as an acid.
- The reaction is also a double displacement reaction, where the hydrogen carbonate and chloride ions exchange partners to form the products.
In conclusion, the reaction between hydrogen carbonate and dilute hydrochloric acid results in the formation of carbon dioxide gas, water, and chloride ions. This reaction is important in various chemical processes and is a common demonstration in chemistry laboratories to illustrate the production of gases during chemical reactions.