How do I make water fizzy without carbonation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the quest for non-toxic gases that can be added to water to create bubbles while maintaining or increasing alkalinity. Participants highlight that while carbon dioxide (CO2) is commonly used for carbonation, it lowers pH due to the formation of carbonic acid. Alternatives such as nitrogen (N2) are suggested, which do not affect pH but also do not increase alkalinity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding gas solubility and its effects on water chemistry, particularly for beverage applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pH and its relationship with ionization in aqueous solutions
  • Knowledge of gas solubility in water, particularly for nitrogen and carbon dioxide
  • Familiarity with beverage carbonation techniques and their effects on flavor
  • Basic chemistry concepts related to acids and bases
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the solubility of nitrogen in water and its applications in beverage production
  • Explore the chemistry of carbonic acid and its impact on pH in carbonated beverages
  • Investigate alternative non-toxic gases for carbonation and their effects on taste and pH
  • Learn about the role of ionization in determining the acidity or alkalinity of solutions
USEFUL FOR

Individuals interested in beverage formulation, food scientists, and anyone exploring alternatives to traditional carbonation methods for enhancing water flavor and quality.

LightningInAJar
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I have had seltzer water which is merely carbonated water which is more acidic hence a more sour flavor as shown in link below. Is there a non-toxic gas that can be added to water to give it bubbles that actually makes it more alkaline? And if so, perhaps combining it with carbonation so the PH is something like 7.2 and tastes like normal water?

https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/h...ge for all cold, carbonated water's pH is 4.5.

https://www.watercare.com/about-us/...n acidic pH changes many,pH level more than 7).
 
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Chemistry news on Phys.org
A short list of gas solubility in water is at:
https://www.wiredchemist.com/chemistry/data/solubilities-gases

Unfortunately, the higher solubility gases on the list are not compatible with life.

If you want a longer list, look here for 7 pages worth:
https://hbcp.chemnetbase.com/faces/documents/05_30/05_30_0001.xhtml

Or if you have access to the CRC HANDBOOK OF CHEMISTRY and PHYSICS
check the Index for: Gases, solubility on water.

(above found with:
https://www.google.com/search?&q=solubility+of+gasses+in+water)

Cheers,
Tom
 
Carbon dioxide has no PH because it's a gas? How is it known how a gas effects PH of water when desolved?
 
LightningInAJar said:
Carbon dioxide has no PH because it's a gas? How is it known how a gas effects PH of water when desolved?
When CO2 is dissolved in water, some of it combines with water molecules to make a carbonic acid:
CO2 + H2O --> H2CO3
In water CO2 is very involved with pH.
This in important in biology as well as water quality for fish.
 
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I want more OH than H ions? I assume the above includes 2 H and zero OH?
 
BillTre said:
Do you understand ionization in water?
Here is a review of pH for you.
Do you by chance have a table of chemical formulas and their respective PH level so I can visualize it better?
 
I think baking soda can be used to neutralize acid, but not sure if it adds flavor.
 
LightningInAJar said:
Do you by chance have a table of chemical formulas and their respective PH level so I can visualize it better?
pH is a property of a aqueous solution. The pH of a "chemical formula" doesn't make sense, it is a function of the concentration of a given solute.
 
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  • #10
Sulfur hexafluoride is one non-toxic gas, but it seems to have too low water solubility for this purpose. Xenon gas is more water-soluble than other noble gases, but I'm not sure how much more of it can be dissolved in water with reasonable pressurization. It is also expensive and has a general anesthetic effect if inhaled in large amounts.

Some gaseous chlorofluorocarbons are likely to be water soluble, but they harm the ozone layer.
 
  • #11
Nitrogen is used to "carbonate" drinks without using CO2 carbonation.
Using CO2 makes the water it is dissolved in more acidic. Nitrogen (N2) does not do this, so it doesn't make the water more acidic, but it doesn't make the water more alkaline either. No effect on the pH since it doesn't ionize.

This has been used in several beverage products and has produced flavorful effects:
In soft drinks, sparkling water, beer, wine, juice drinks, tea, flavored water, sports drinks and many other carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, nitrogen provides unique functionality to reduce foaming, protect flavors, retain desired colors, and maintain the integrity of your product.
 
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  • #12
DrClaude said:
pH is a property of a aqueous solution. The pH of a "chemical formula" doesn't make sense, it is a function of the concentration of a given solute.
So I wouldn't be able to look at a formula for a substance and calculate how acidic it is?
 
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LightningInAJar said:
So I wouldn't be able to look at a formula for a substance and calculate how acidic it is?
You need the properties of the substance when dissolved in water. The substance alone will not be very informative.

You also don't seem to have a very good understanding of the interrelationships between pH, water, and ionized compounds. This will make the success of any calculations you try hit or miss.
Without understanding, mistakes are more likely.
 
  • #14
BillTre said:
Nitrogen is used to "carbonate" drinks without using CO2 carbonation.
Using CO2 makes the water it is dissolved in more acidic. Nitrogen (N2) does not do this, so it doesn't make the water more acidic, but it doesn't make the water more alkaline either. No effect on the pH since it doesn't ionize.

This has been used in several beverage products and has produced flavorful effects:
Strange that I hadn't heard about that before...
 
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  • #16
Hmm. No easy task I guess.