What is the chemical formula for bicarbonate?

The chemical formula for bicarbonate is HCO3-. This ion contains one hydrogen atom, one carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms, and it carries a negative charge. Bicarbonate acts as a key buffer in biological systems, helping to maintain pH balance in blood and other fluids. It plays a critical role in carbon dioxide transport and regulation of acidity in various environments, including water treatment processes where pH control is vital.

In contrast, CO2 refers to carbon dioxide, a different molecule that does not include the bicarbonate ion structure. H2CO3 represents carbonic acid, which can dissociate to form bicarbonate and hydrogen ions but is not the same as bicarbonate itself. NaHCO3 is sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, which is a compound that contains the bicarbonate ion along with sodium, but it is not the ion being asked about in the question. Hence, the correct response identifying only the bicarbonate ion is HCO3-.