What is the chemical composition of baking powder?

Answer by  ScottHorn (232)

Baking powder usually consists of sodium bicarbonate, another salt such as sodium phosphate, and inert ingredients to act as filler. The sodium bicarbonate releases carbon dioxide at low temperatures. The phosphate salts decompose into carbon dioxide at higher temperatures. The filler provides bulk to make the product cheaper.

Answer by  B21 (30)

Baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3, baking soda), sodium aluminum sulfate (AlNa(SO4)2 and monocalcium phosphate (Ca(PO4)2) as well as corn starch.

Answer by  WillyGrant (11)

The main active component of baking powder is ammonium bicarbonate (NH4)HCO3. This is an ammonium salt of carbonic acid. Some additives like aromas, surfactants, sweeteners could also appear.

Answer by  beelady (334)

Baking powder contains several compounds, one that actually does the rising (NaHCO3 Sodium bicarbonate), an acidic salt that activates the rising agent (could be one of several salts), and an inert starch such as corn starch.

Answer by  chemteach (100)

Baking powder is a mixture of solids including baking soda (NaHCO3), cream of tartar (C4H5KO6), and cornstarch - in other words, a weak base, weak acid, and drying agent.

Answer by  anrimala36 (208)

NaHCO3, otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, and an acidic component such as cream of tartar, also known as potassium bitartrate or by its chemical formula, KC4H5O6. Those are the active ingredients.

Answer by  blgneo (72)

Baking powder is a chemical leavening agent(as opposed to yeast), and it contains an alkali( usually sodium bicarbonate), acid( usually tartaric acid in the form of a salt;some compositions use sodium aluminum sulfate or calcium phosphate) and starch as a desiccant(keeps them dry).