Summarizing Occurrence, Preparation, and Properties of Carbonates
Key Concepts and Summary
The usual method for the preparation of the carbonates of the alkali and alkaline earth metals is by reaction of an oxide or hydroxide with carbon dioxide. Other carbonates form by precipitation. Metal carbonates or hydrogen carbonates such as limestone (CaCO3), the antacid Tums (CaCO3), and baking soda (NaHCO3) are common examples. Carbonates and hydrogen carbonates decompose in the presence of acids and most decompose on heating.
Glossary
bicarbonate anion
salt of the hydrogen carbonate ion, \({\text{HCO}}_{3}{}^{-}\)
carbonate
salt of the anion \({\text{CO}}_{3}{}^{2-};\) often formed by the reaction of carbon dioxide with bases
hydrogen carbonate
salt of carbonic acid, H2CO3 (containing the anion \({\text{HCO}}_{3}{}^{\text{−}})\) in which one hydrogen atom has been replaced; an acid carbonate; also known as bicarbonate ion
This lesson is part of:
Metals, Metalloids, and Nonmetals