- #1
Sqw
- 5
- 0
There's only one carbon atom...
What does the bi stand for in bicarbonate, what is the purpose?
- Thread starter Sqw
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the meaning of "bi" in the term bicarbonate and its purpose, exploring the chemical composition and historical context of the term. Participants examine the relationship between bicarbonate and carbonate ions, as well as the implications of the prefix "bi" in chemical nomenclature.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant notes that bicarbonate contains only one carbon atom.
- Another participant suggests that "bi" refers to bicarbonate being a carbonate ion with an H+ ion attached, and mentions that bicarbonate is also known as hydrogen carbonate.
- A participant provides a link to an external source for additional information.
- Another participant claims that bicarbonate consists of two carbon atoms, referencing the concept of prefixes in nomenclature.
- A later reply proposes that the term bicarbonate may originate from historical usage, indicating that it produces twice as much CO2 compared to the carbonate of the same metal.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the composition of bicarbonate, with some asserting it contains one carbon atom and others claiming it has two. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing interpretations of the term "bi."
Contextual Notes
There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of terms and the historical context of chemical nomenclature, which are not fully explored or agreed upon.
- #2
zyj
- 24
- 0
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.
- #3
- #4
Jadaav
- 175
- 1
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 :)
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 :)
- #5
tiny-tim
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
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Welcome to PF!
Hi Sqw! Welcome to PF!
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!
Hi Sqw! Welcome to PF!
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!
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