Calcium Bicarbonate

**Molecular formula:** Ca(HCO₃)₂

**Molar mass:** 162,115 g/mol

**Information:** Calcium hydrogen carbonate is a water-soluble, white, crystalline substance. It is an ionic compound containing a calcium Ca²⁺ cation and a hydrogen carbonate anion HCO₃⁻. Mixed with magnesium bicarbonate it causes transient water hardness. In nature, it is produced by dissolving calcium carbonate in carbon dioxide water (CaCO₃+ CO₂ + H₂O → Ca(HCO₃)₂). The reaction takes place backwards and is the basis for the formation of stalactites.

**Use:** It is used in medicine in the treatment of hyperkalemia (= elevation of K⁺ in the blood) in association with metabolic acidosis (= decrease of the bicarbonate level in the blood).