baking soda - there are many uses of this substance. Sodium bicarbonate is the chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. Because it has long been known and is widely used, the salt has many other names including sodium hydrogen carbonate and 'sodium bicarb,' as well as baking soda, bread soda, saleratus, or bicarbonate of soda. It dissolves in water. Most often appears as a fine powder. It has a slight alkaline taste resembling that of sodium carbonate. It is a component of the mineral natron and is found dissolved in many mineral springs. It is also produced artificially.