What does the bi stand for in bicarbonate, what is the purpose?

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The discussion centers on the chemical composition and nomenclature of bicarbonate, specifically its relationship to carbonate ions. Bicarbonate, or hydrogen carbonate, is identified as a compound that includes one carbon atom with an attached proton (H+). The term "bi" in bicarbonate is debated, with some suggesting it indicates the compound's ability to produce twice as much CO2 compared to carbonate, as seen in the example of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) versus sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). The conversation also touches on the prefixes used in chemistry, such as mono, bi, di, and tri, which denote quantities of atoms in compounds. Overall, the thread clarifies the chemical structure of bicarbonate and its historical naming conventions.
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There's only one carbon atom...
 
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It just refers to the fact that it's a carbonate ion with an H+, essentially a proton, attached to it. I'm not sure where 'bi' comes from, but that's the reason why bicarbonate is also sometimes called hydrogen carbonate.
 
I think it's a compound consisting of 2 carbon atoms. Yep, they are the same Carbon - 12 atoms.

I usually use this which helps me a lot :

Mono - stands for one ( sometimes not mentioned like in maths ;) )
bi - stands for two
di - stands for two
tri - stands for three

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bi-

Make sure you read it :)
 
Welcome to PF!

Hi Sqw! Welcome to PF! :smile:

I think it predates the modern understanding of molecules, and was because a bicarbonate contains twice as much carbon (ie it produced twice as much CO2) as the carbonate of the same metal.

eg NaHCO3 contains twice as much C per Na as does Na2CO3 …

since the latter is obviously a carbonate, the former must be a bicarbonate! :biggrin:
 

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