What is the Difference Between Carbonic Acid and Bicarbonate?

Carbonic acid (H2CO3) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) are related but distinct chemical compounds. The key differences between them are:

1. Nature of the compounds: Carbonic acid is a weak acid that forms in solution when carbon dioxide dissolves in water, with the chemical formula H2CO3. Bicarbonate, also known as hydrogen carbonate, is the conjugate base of carbonic acid and has the chemical formula HCO3-.
2. Charge: Carbonic acid is a neutral chemical, whereas bicarbonate is a negatively charged chemical compound.
3. Dissociation: When dissolved in water, carbonic acid readily dissociates into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions (protons).
4. Uses: Carbonic acid is used in making bubbly, fizzy drinks, treating dermatitides, and in mouthwash, among other applications. Bicarbonate is used in food preparations, such as baking (as a leavening agent), and it gives the ability to resist changes in pH.
5. Role in the blood: Bicarbonate is an intermediate in the exchange of respiratory gas for conveying CO2 out of the body. In the blood, bicarbonate ion serves to neutralize acid introduced through other metabolic processes, such as lactic acid and ketone bodies.

Comparative Table: Carbonic Acid vs Bicarbonate

Here is a table comparing the differences between carbonic acid and bicarbonate:

Carbonic acid is a weak and neutral acid that forms when carbon dioxide dissolves in water, while bicarbonate is a negatively charged compound formed when carbonic acid dissociates. Carbonic acid is used in various applications, such as making fizzy drinks and treating skin conditions, whereas bicarbonate is primarily used in food preparation and regulating pH. In the blood, carbonic acid and bicarbonate play crucial roles in acid-base balance and respiratory gas exchange.