Polyatomic Ions in Everyday Chemistry

• The active ingredient in household bleach is sodium hypochlorite, which acts to destroy color-causing molecules and kill bacteria.
• Baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogen carbonate), which acts as a source of carbon dioxide gas in baking.
• Calcium carbonate is the active ingredient in antacids such as Tums™ and Alka-Mints™. It neutralizes stomach acids.
• Sodium nitrite is a food additive used to preserve packaged meats such as ham, hot dogs, and bologna. Sodium nitrite inhibits the growth of bacteria, especially those that cause botulism.