Product Overview & China Production Capacity
Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO₃, CAS 144-55-8, MW 84.01) is a versatile inorganic compound used in pharmaceutical manufacturing as an effervescent agent, buffering excipient, antacid active ingredient, and carbon dioxide source. China’s sodium bicarbonate production capacity exceeds 4 million metric tons annually, with major facilities in Henan, Inner Mongolia, Shandong, and Hubei provinces utilizing both the Solvay process and natural trona mineral conversion. This massive capacity ensures manufacturer-direct supply of pharma and food-grade NaHCO₃ at globally competitive pricing.
In pharmaceutical dosage forms, sodium bicarbonate creates effervescent reactions with citric or tartaric acid for rapidly dissolving tablet formulations. It serves as the active ingredient in antacid preparations, a pH buffer in injection solutions, and a carbon dioxide release agent in controlled-release systems. Chinese manufacturers produce multiple particle size grades including fine powder for wet granulation and granular forms for direct compression effervescent tablets.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Facilities maintain ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, and FSSC 22000 certifications. Analytical testing includes assay (titrimetric), loss on drying, pH, chloride, sulfate, arsenic, heavy metals, iron, calcium, magnesium, and insoluble substances. Products meet USP/NF, EP, FCC, and ChP monograph requirements. Trona-based production delivers inherently higher purity than Solvay process material, with assay values ≥99.5%.
Process controls monitor carbonation tower temperatures, CO₂ flow rates, and crystallization conditions. Post-crystallization drying is carefully controlled to prevent thermal decomposition to sodium carbonate. Particle size distribution is managed through classification and screening to meet grade-specific requirements. Stability testing confirms shelf-life specifications under ICH conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 144-55-8 |
| Molecular Formula | NaHCO₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 84.01 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Assay | 99.0–100.5% |
| pH (freshly prepared 5% solution) | 8.0–8.6 |
| Loss on Drying | ≤0.25% |
| Chloride | ≤0.015% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤5 ppm |
| Pharmacopoeial Compliance | USP/NF, EP, FCC, ChP |
Packaging & Export Logistics
Sodium bicarbonate is packed in 25 kg or 50 kg PE-lined paper bags, palletized and stretch-wrapped. Bulk supply in 1,000 kg FIBCs is available. Moisture-barrier packaging is standard to prevent caking during transport and storage. Lead time is 7–10 business days. FOB shipment from Qingdao, Tianjin, or Shanghai ports; CIF and DDP terms are supported.
Documentation includes CoA, SDS, halal/kosher certificates, and commercial shipping paperwork. Non-hazardous classification ensures straightforward customs clearance worldwide.
China Supply Advantage
China’s natural trona mineral resources in Inner Mongolia provide an exceptionally cost-effective production route for high-purity sodium bicarbonate. Competitive pricing is 25–40% below Western sources, with consistent supply guaranteed by multiple production bases. Chinese NaHCO₃ producers export to pharmaceutical, food, and industrial customers in over 90 countries, with the quality documentation and regulatory compliance records required for global market access.