You asked: Is baking powder soluble or insoluble in water?
Baking powder, a commonly used leavening agent in baking, is neither soluble nor completely insoluble in water. When baking powder comes into contact with water, it undergoes a chemical reaction known as carbonation. This reaction occurs because baking powder is a mixture of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), an acid (such as cream of tartar or sodium aluminum sulfate), and a moisture-absorbing agent (such as cornstarch). When water is added to baking powder, the acid and baking soda react to produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes the batter or dough to rise. However, the moisture-absorbing agent prevents the entire mixture from becoming water-soluble, as it draws out any excess moisture and keeps the baking powder from dissolving completely in water. Thus, while baking powder is not completely soluble in water, it does dissolve to some extent during the baking process, contributing to the desired rise and texture of baked goods.
