Bicarbonate
a name given to the acid carbonates of potassium (KHCO₂), sodium (NaHCO3), ammonium (NH4.- HCO₂), etc. Also a carbonate dissolved BICE in water containing carbonic acid gas, as carbonate of calcium thus dissolved, reprecipitated on boiling. Bicarbonate of potassium, KHCO3, is obtained by passing CO2 gas through a saturated aqueous solution of K₂CO₃ (potassium carbonate). It crystallizes in colorless rhombic non-deliquescent crystals, which are soluble in four times their weight of water. It does not give a precipitate with BaCl2 in the cold. Bicarbonate of potassium is a direct antacid, and is employed in the treatment of acute rheumatism and for removing uric acid from the system.