In inorganic chemistry, bicarbonate (IUPAC-recommended nomenclature: hydrogencarbonate) is an intermediate form in the deprotonation of carbonic acid. Bicarbonate serves a crucial biochemical role in the physiological pH buffering system. Chemical properties The bicarbonate ion (hydrogen carbonate) is an anion with the empirical formula HCO3− and a molecular mass of 61.01 daltons; it consists of one central carbon atom surrounded by three oxygen atoms in a trigonal planar arrangement, wi… (More on Bicarbonate)