Sodium nitrite
| Formula | NaNO2 |
| Chemical formula | NaNO2 |
| Density | 2.1 g/cm3 (20°C) |
| Molar mass | 69.0 g/mol |
| Bulk density | 1200 kg/m3 |
| EC index number | 007-010-00-4 |
| CAS number | 7632-00-0 |
| HS Code | 28341000 |
| EC number | 231-555-9 |
| Storage | Without limitation |
| SDS | available |
| R phrase | R 8-25-50 |
| S phrase | S 45-61 |
| Odour | odourless |
| Form | powder |
| Color | white |
| p H | 9 (100g/l 20 °C) |
| Solubility in water | 820 g/l (20°C) |
| Solubility in ethanol | 30 g/l (20°C) |
| Boiling point | 320 °C (decomposition ) |
| Melting point | 280 °C (decomposition ) |
| Thermal decomposition | >320 °C |
| Assay | 97.0 – 100.5 | % | |
| Description | Conforms | ||
| Identification | Conforms | ||
| Solubility | Conforms | ||
| Clarity of solution | Conforms | ||
| Acidity & alkalinity | Conforms | ||
| Chloride | ≤ | 0/005 | % |
| Sulphate | ≤ | 0/005 | % |
| Heavy metals | ≤ | 0/002 | % |
| Calcum | ≤ | 0/005 | % |
| Loss on drying | ≤ | 0/25 | % |
Sodium Nitrite is an inorganic compound consisting of sodium and nitrite ions, widely used in food preservation, industrial processes, and chemical synthesis.
🏭⚗️ Production
Sodium nitrite is produced industrially by the absorption of nitrogen oxides in a sodium carbonate solution followed by purification and crystallization. It can also be prepared by reduction of nitrate salts or by other chemical methods involving oxidation and reduction reactions.
🔬 Properties
Sodium nitrite appears as a white to yellowish crystalline powder, highly soluble in water. It has a chemical formula of NaNO₂ and a molar mass of approximately 69 g/mol. It is a strong oxidizing agent and is stable under normal conditions but can decompose at high temperatures releasing toxic nitrogen oxides. Sodium nitrite has a salty, slightly alkaline taste and is hygroscopic.
🧪 Applications
Sodium nitrite is widely used as a food preservative, especially in curing meats to prevent bacterial growth and to maintain color and flavor. It is also employed in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. In the industrial sector, sodium nitrite serves as a corrosion inhibitor in cooling systems and in various chemical reactions as an oxidizing or nitrosating agent.
⚠️ Safety
Sodium nitrite should be handled with caution as it is toxic if ingested in large amounts and can cause methemoglobinemia, a condition that reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. It is also harmful if inhaled or in contact with skin and eyes. Proper protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and masks, should be used when handling this compound. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat, acids, and reducing agents, and disposed of according to local safety regulations.
