Inorganic Chemistry in Your Kitchen: Salt, Soda, and More

Table salt (NaCl) is an inorganic crystal that not only seasons food but also preserves it from bacteria.
Baking soda (NaHCO₃) releases carbon dioxide gas when heated or mixed with acids, making cakes rise.
Washing soda (Na₂CO₃) is a stronger cousin of baking soda, used for cleaning and softening water.
Vinegar’s fizz with baking soda is a classic acid–base reaction happening right on your countertop.
The nonstick layer on pans often comes from inorganic coatings like ceramic or titanium oxides.
Table sugar is organic, but its crystal structure can be compared with inorganic salts like halite.
Hard water contains dissolved calcium and magnesium salts, which leave chalky deposits on kettles.
Many canned foods rely on inorganic salts as preservatives and pH stabilizers.
Glass cookware is made from silica, soda, and lime—a true inorganic chemistry recipe.
From fizzy drinks to baking, your kitchen is a mini chemistry lab full of inorganic reactions