<Dl> <Dd> H CO + 2 H O ⇌ HCO − 3 + H O + H O ⇌ CO 2 − 3 + 2 H O . </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> H CO + 2 H O ⇌ HCO − 3 + H O + H O ⇌ CO 2 − 3 + 2 H O . </Dd> <P> A bicarbonate salt forms when a positively charged ion attaches to the negatively charged oxygen atoms of the ion, forming an ionic compound . Many bicarbonates are soluble in water at standard temperature and pressure; in particular, sodium bicarbonate contributes to total dissolved solids, a common parameter for assessing water quality . </P> <P> Bicarbonate (HCO − 3) is alkaline, and a vital component of the pH buffering system of the human body (maintaining acid--base homeostasis). 70--75% of CO in the body is converted into carbonic acid (H CO), which can quickly turn into bicarbonate . </P>

Compound formed in solution from the negative ion of an acid and the positive ion of a base