Sodium bicarbonate () is noticeably less soluble in water compared to Potassium bicarbonate (). What structural feature accounts for this lower solubility of ?

Question

Sodium bicarbonate ($NaHCO_3$) is noticeably less soluble in water compared to Potassium bicarbonate ($KHCO_3$). What structural feature accounts for this lower solubility of $NaHCO_3$?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. In solid , the bicarbonate ions undergo extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding, forming an infinite polymeric chain network. This highly associated structure has a high lattice energy, making it difficult for water to break apart, leading to its relatively low solubility (a crucial fact for the Solvay process).

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