Sodium nitrate, also known as Chile saltpeter, is the inorganic nitrate salt of sodium. It consists of a sodium cation (Na+) and a nitrate anion (NO3–). At room temperature, Sodium nitrate appears as a white crystalline solid which is highly soluble in water.
Sodium nitrate is noncombustible but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. Sodium nitrate is used in fertilizers, adhesives and sealants, anti-freeze products, cosmetics and personal care products.
Characterization of Sodium nitrate
Sodium nitrate is a white crystalline solid with a sweet odour. It is non-combustible but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. Some attributes of this substance are:
- Its molar mass is 84.99 g. mol-1.
- Its melting point is 308 ℃.
- Its boiling point is 380 ℃.
- The solubility of Sodium nitrate in water corresponds to 91.2g/100mL at room temperature.
Applications of Sodium nitrate
Due to its high solubility in water, low cost, and nitrogen content, sodium nitrate is used in different industries. Some uses of sodium nitrate are listed below:
- Glass
- Fertilizer
- adhesives and sealants
- Dye
- Manufacture of salts such as potassium nitrate
- Oxidizing agent
- heat transfer fluids
Sodium nitrate production
Industrial production of sodium nitrate involves the neutralization of nitric acid with sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or sodium hydroxide.
- NaHCO3 + HNO3 → NaNO3 + H2O + CO2
- Na2CO3 + 2HNO3 → 2NaNO3 + CO2 + H2O
- NaOH + HNO3 → NaNO3 + H2O
Another method of preparing sodium nitrate is by reacting sodium hydroxide with ammonium nitrate. The chemical reaction is:
- NH4NO3 + NaOH → NH4OH + NaNO3
Sodium nitrate storage
sodium nitrate should be kept in tightly closed containers. Plus, it should be stored in a cool, dry and well-ventilated facility. Other storage conditions include:
- Sodium nitrate should be stored away from incompatibles, combustibles, or other readily oxidizable materials.
- Sodium nitrate containers should protect against physical damage and moisture.
- Containers of sodium nitrate may be hazardous when empty, since they retain product residues.
- Sodium Nitrate should be stored at room temperature
Sodium nitrate health hazards
Exposure to high levels of Sodium nitrate can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Some hazardous effects of Sodium nitrate are:
- Regular use of Sodium nitrate causes irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
· Sodium nitrate ingestion could cause effects on the blood.
- Overuse of Sodium nitrate may cause damage to organs (blood, heart, liver)
FAQ
What is Sodium nitrate?
Sodium nitrate is the inorganic nitrate salt of sodium with the formula NaNO3. It is a source of the nitrate anion (NO3−), which is used for the production of fertilizers, pyrotechnics, and other explosives.
What is Sodium nitrate used for?
Sodium Nitrate is mostly used as fertilizer in agriculture and preservative agents in the food industry.
What is the CAS number of Sodium nitrate?
the CAS number of Sodium Nitrate is 7631-99-4.
What are other names for Sodium nitrate?
Sodium Nitrate is also known as Chile saltpetre.
What are the advantages of Sodium nitrate?
Sodium nitrate can help fight harmful bacteria in processed meats. however, overconsumption can lead to cancer and heart diseases.