HCO3- is both an acid and a base. It can donate a "proton" (hydrogen ion) as follows:
HCO3(-) = H(+) + CO3(-2)
or
HCO3(-) + OH(-) = H2O + CO3(-2)
It can also absorb a proton:
HCO3(-) + H(+) = H2CO3
Which occurs depends on the pH of the solution. The pKa values are given here:
What_is_pka_value_for_sodium_bicarbonate
H2CO3 is known as "carbonic acid". It can decompose into water and carbon dioxide
H2CO3 = H2O + CO2
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