What is the chemical formula for bicarbonate?

Bicarbonate is an important ion that plays a crucial role in maintaining the pH balance in natural waters and various biological systems. The chemical formula for bicarbonate is HCO3-. This ion is formed when carbonic acid (H2CO3) loses a proton (H+), resulting in the bicarbonate ion, which is negatively charged.

The bicarbonate ion is typically involved in buffering systems in water, helping to stabilize pH when acids or bases are introduced. It is also a key component in processes such as respiration and photosynthesis.

In contrast, carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gaseous form of carbon that can react with water to form carbonic acid, while H2CO3 is the molecular form of carbonic acid itself. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3), on the other hand, refers to a compound consisting of calcium and carbonate, which is not related to the bicarbonate ion directly. These distinctions are essential in understanding the role of bicarbonate in water chemistry and environmental processes.