[BlueTrees]

I'm working on a lab report and we combined different elements and compounds to form new products. My chemistry teacher wants us to explain why (using chemistry) you should use baking soda in a grease fire. I've been thinking about it for a while and I'm just at a mind block. Please help me out!

[billnotgatez]

from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baking_soda

Thermal decomposition

Above 60 °C, it gradually decomposes into sodium carbonate, water and carbon dioxide. The conversion is fast at 200 °C:

    2NaHCO3 --> Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2

Most bicarbonates undergo this dehydration reaction. Further heating converts the carbonate into the oxide:

    Na2CO3 --> Na2O + CO2

These conversions are relevant to the use of NaHCO3 as a fire-suppression agent ("BC powder") in some dry powder fire extinguishers.