Is NaHCO₃ basic?

Yes justified:

• Salt of strong base (NaOH) + weak acid (H₂CO₃)
• HCO₃⁻ hydrolyses in water → produces OH⁻ ions
• pH of solution ≈ 8.3–8.5 (mildly alkaline)
• Turns red litmus blue; reacts with HCl to release CO₂

Conversion of NaHCO₃ → Washing Soda:

Step 1: 2NaHCO₃ --Heat→ Na₂CO₃ + H₂O + CO₂ (heating)
Step 2: Na₂CO₃ + 10H₂O → Na₂CO₃·10H₂O (recrystallisation)