Overview
Carbonic acid is a weak acid formed when carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in water. It is unstable in its pure form, decomposing into CO2 and water, but plays a vital role in natural and industrial processes. In nature, it contributes to the carbon cycle and regulates pH in blood and oceans. Industrially, it is a key component in carbonated drinks and serves as an intermediate in chemical reactions. Despite its instability, carbonic acid's derivatives (carbonates and bicarbonates) are widely used in manufacturing, agriculture, and medicine. Its transient nature makes it challenging to isolate, but its aqueous solutions are easily prepared for laboratory or industrial use.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Carbonic acid exists only in solution and cannot be isolated as a pure compound. It is a diprotic acid, meaning it can donate two protons, forming bicarbonate (HCO3−) and carbonate (CO32−) ions in water. Its equilibrium with CO2 and water is pH-dependent, making it a buffer in biological systems. The acid decomposes rapidly at room temperature, releasing CO2 gas. Its solubility in water is high, and it forms weakly acidic solutions (pH ~4–5 in saturated CO2 water). Its reactivity includes forming salts with metals (e.g., sodium carbonate) and participating in esterification reactions.
Main Applications
The most recognizable use of carbonic acid is in carbonated beverages, where CO2 dissolution creates fizz and acidity. It also serves as a pH adjuster in water treatment and pharmaceuticals. In biochemistry, it helps maintain blood pH via the bicarbonate buffer system. Industrially, carbonic acid intermediates are used to produce baking soda, fire extinguishers, and cleaning agents. Its role in mineral carbonation (e.g., forming limestone) is critical in carbon capture technologies. Additionally, it aids in oil recovery by reacting with carbonate reservoirs.
Safety and Storage
Carbonic acid poses minimal toxicity but can cause irritation to eyes or skin in concentrated forms. In enclosed spaces, CO2 release may displace oxygen, posing an asphyxiation risk. Always use ventilation when handling CO2 systems. Storage involves keeping CO2 cylinders or solutions sealed to prevent degassing. Aqueous solutions should be used promptly due to decomposition. Personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and goggles is recommended for handling concentrated preparations.
B2B Procurement Guide
For industrial procurement, carbonic acid is typically sourced as CO2 gas or pre-mixed solutions. Buyers should specify purity (e.g., food-grade or industrial-grade) and delivery format (cylinders, bulk tanks). Key suppliers include gas distributors and chemical manufacturers. Pricing depends on volume and application; beverage-grade CO2 is cheaper than ultra-pure versions. Verify certifications (e.g., FDA compliance for food use) and assess logistics, as CO2 requires pressurized transport. Long-term contracts may offer cost savings for high-volume users.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：乙二醇、液体十二烷基苯磺酸钠、甘油、十二烷基硫酸钠、甲基硅醇钠、三乙醇胺、异丙醇、苯酚、二甲苯、二氯甲烷、丙烯酸、亚硝酸钠、甲酸、氟化氢铵、磺酸、乳化剂、正丁醇、一乙醇胺、乙醇、冰醋酸、过硫酸铵、过硫酸钠、多聚甲醛、消泡剂
- 主营：消毒剂、酸度调节剂、工业清洗溶剂、可分装无色液体、工业级氢氧化铵、二甲基亚砜、异丙醇、苯酚、次氯酸钠、乙醇、液碱、磷酸、甲酸、甲醇、乙酸乙酯、三乙胺、二甲基甲酰胺、二氯甲烷、氨水、冰醋酸、过硫酸钠、二甲苯
- 主营：洗涤剂、发泡剂、缓蚀剂、碳酸钠、渗透剂、防冻液、保湿剂、清洗剂、沉淀剂、无水芒硝、无水乙醇、印刷溶剂、环保溶剂、春金甘油、洗涤建筑、水泥助磨剂、食品添加剂、食品增稠剂、表面活性剂、混凝土缓凝、二胺四乙酸、酸度调节剂、三甲基氯化铵、粒状氢氧化钠、金属表面处理
- 主营：印染洗剂、三乙醇胺、污水处理剂、碳酸氢铵、净水质大苏、表面活性剂、二甲基甲酰胺、无水亚硫酸钠、二乙二醇丁醚
- 主营：溶剂油、清洗剂、异佛尔酮、碳酸二甲酯、副产甲缩醛、天然气甲醇、乙二醇单丁醚、无色透明液体、甲醇、异丙醇、醋酸丁酯、二甲苯
- 主营：氧化钕、氯化镓、氯化铈、碳酸锆、氯化钇、氧化镓、氯化镧、氧化钇、氧化镨、氧化镧、氧化铈、硫酸锆、无水氯化铈、无水氯化钇、氧氯化锆、硝酸铈铵、硝酸铈
- 主营：氯化镧、锆产品、钴产品、碳酸铟、稀土盐类
- 主营：碳酸钠、纯碱
- 主营：双氧水、次氯酸钠、液碱、石碳酸、氨水、亚硝酸钠、苯甲酸钠、正丙醇、异丙醇、四氯乙烯、片碱、二氯甲烷、冰醋酸、甲酸、乙酸乙酯、乙醇、焦亚硫酸钠、磷酸、漂白粉、氢氧化铵
- 主营：次氯酸钠、铝溶胶、乙二醇、甲基硅酸、三乙醇胺、二甲基亚砜、液体泡花碱、液碱、氢氧化钠、蒸馏水去离子水、二氯甲烷、软水盐、DMF、二甲基甲酰胺、聚乙二醇200、400、600、水玻璃、乙醇、甲酸、草酸、大苏打、冰醋酸、苯酚、氨水
- 主营：工业纯碱、纯碱、工业葡萄糖、工业碳酸钠、工业副产碳酸钠、碳酸钠、轻质碳酸钠、食品级葡萄糖、副产碱、聚丙烯酰胺、葡萄糖酸钠、复合脱硫剂、三水醋酸钠、污水处理葡萄糖、工业柠檬酸、硬脂酸、聚合氯化铝、无水醋酸钠、洗涤碱、工业级纯碱、苏打、轻质纯碱、副产纯碱、工业副产碱、工业用碱
- 主营：软水盐、无水硫酸钠、食品级冰醋酸、轻质碳酸钠、过碳酸钠、离子树脂再生剂、五水偏硅酸钠、元明粉、硫酸氢钠、聚合氯化铝、尿素、草酸、福美钠、氨基磺酸、纯碱、糖蜜、零水偏硅酸钠、片碱、磷酸、次氯酸钠、三氯化铁、硫化钠、氟硅酸钠、氨水
- 主营：三聚磷酸钠、六偏磷酸钠
- 主营：异丙醇、制冷剂、苯乙烯、二碳酸二叔丁酯、二甲胺、四氢呋喃、环氧氯丙烷、环氧丙烷、泡花碱、漂白粉、硫酸氢氨、三甲胺、保险粉、叔丁醇、环丁砜、清洗剂、漂白剂、着色剂、磷酸、溴化铜、液碱、氨水、异丙醚、钛白粉、片碱
- 主营：杀菌剂、防冻液、安息油、丙烯酸、胶黏剂、增湿剂、邻苯二甲、涂料溶剂、涂料助剂、环氧丙烷、油漆溶剂、单斜晶体、防水涂料、汽油添加剂、油漆清洗剂、乙二醇乙醚、溶剂防锈剂、涂料稀释剂、树脂增塑剂、酒精变性剂、甘油三酸酯、环保增塑剂、橡胶涂料清漆、无色透明液体、二甲基甲酰胺
- 主营：多聚甲醛、环己胺、正硅酸乙酯28 40、碳酸氢铵、正十二烷、异丙醇、无水乙醇、铬酸酐、亚氯酸钠、二甲基甲酰胺、硫酸羟胺、戊二酸二甲酯、邻苯二甲酸二乙酯、二甲苯、二氯甲烷、环己烷、四氯乙烯、环己酮、环氧氯丙烷、甲醇、甲酸、乙腈、苯酚、乙二醇乙醚醋酸酯、醋酸丁酯
- 主营：生物质颗粒、防火涂料、膨润土、碳酸钙、云母粉、蛭石、石英砂、高岭土、重钙、1250目云母粉、萤石粉、莫来砂、铁砂、火山石、夜光石
- 主营：海水氧化镁、海水高纯电熔氧化镁、进口甲基纤维素(经销)、海水碳酸镁、轻质碳酸镁、重质碳酸镁、高纯氧化镁、高纯重质氧化镁、试剂氧化镁、轻质氧化镁、高纯超细氧化镁、电熔氧化镁砂、电熔氧化镁粉、镁棒镁管镁柱、甲基纤维素(进口经销)