Sodium nitrate (NaNO3) and Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) are chemical compounds commonly used in cured meat products such as hot dogs. Both sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite are ionic compounds of sodium, nitrogen and oxygen chemical elements. The key difference between sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite is that Sodium nitrate appears as colourless crystals whereas Sodium nitrite appears as yellowish crystals.
What is Sodium nitrate?
Sodium nitrate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaNO3. The molar mass of sodium nitrate is 84.9 g/mol. It appears as a colourless crystalline solid that is very soluble in water. Upon dissolution, it forms sodium cations and nitrate anions.
Sodium nitrate is used in agriculture as a fertilizer. Due to its high solubility and high nitrogen content, it is a suitable fertilizer for different plants. Plus, Sodium nitrate is used in pesticides, explosives and pyrotechnics.
Another use of sodium nitrate is given in the food industry as a preservative of processed meats. Sodium nitrate is a salt used to preserve foods, especially meat and fish. It is also used as a substitute for sodium nitrite. Additionally, it helps cured meat retain its colour.
What is Sodium nitrite?
Sodium nitrite is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaNO2. The molar mass of Sodium nitrite is 68.9 g/mol. It appears as a white-yellowish crystalline solid that is highly water-soluble and hygroscopic.
Sodium nitrite is an important food additive. It has many uses including preventing botulism, prolonging the shelf life of meats, and giving meat its pink color. Cured meats such as hot dogs and sausages usually contain sodium nitrite. However, sodium nitrite has been recognized as a slightly toxic compound.
Sodium nitrite can be produced by reduction of nitrate salts or oxidation of lower nitrogen oxides.
What is the Difference Between Sodium nitrate and Sodium nitrite?
Sodium nitrate and Sodium nitrite are ionic compounds of sodium, nitrogen and oxygen chemical elements. The key difference between sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite is that sodium nitrate appears as colourless crystals, whereas sodium nitrite appears as yellowish crystals. The anion in sodium nitrate is NO3– and in sodium nitrite it is NO2–. Both these compounds are water-soluble but sodium nitrite is hygroscopic as well. Additionally, the crystal structure of sodium nitrate is trigonal, while the crystal structure of sodium nitrite is orthorhombic.
Sodium nitrate is produced via neutralizing nitric acid with sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate. While sodium nitrite is produced in one of the following ways:
- Reduction of nitrate salts
- Oxidation of lower nitrogen oxides
Our bodies turn nitrates into nitrites. So, sodium nitrate is often used as a substitute for sodium nitrite. The main difference between sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite is the environment they come from. Sodium nitrate is a naturally occurring chemical compound created during photosynthesis while sodium nitrite is synthetically made.
Faq
What is Sodium nitrate?
Sodium nitrate is a colourless crystalline compound, with the chemical formula NaNO3. It is commonly used to produce fertilizers, food preservatives, explosives, etc.
What is Sodium nitrate used for?
Sodium nitrate is used for making potassium nitrate, fertilizers, explosives, in the production of glass, pharmaceuticals and to preserve meats. It can also be used as the raw material for the production of nitric acid, which is also important for fertilizers and explosives.
What are the similarities between sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite?
Both sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite are ionic compounds of sodium, nitrogen and oxygen chemical elements. These two compounds differ from each other according to the anion present along with the sodium cation.
What is the Difference Between Sodium Nitrate and Sodium Nitrite?
Sodium nitrate is made up of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms while sodium nitrite is made up of one nitrogen atom and only two oxygen atoms. They only differ by one oxygen atom. Sodium nitrate is a naturally occurring chemical compound created during photosynthesis, while sodium nitrite is synthetically made.
How does sodium nitrate turn into sodium nitrite?
When sodium nitrate is used as a curing agent, it is converted to sodium nitrite. Sodium nitrite possesses the antimicrobial properties that make it a good preservative. the human digestive process converts sodium nitrate consumed through fruits, vegetables, and grains into sodium nitrite.
What is Sodium nitrite?
Sodium Nitrite is an odourless, yellowish crystalline solid. It is used in metal treatment, as a colour fixative and preservative for meats and fish, and in pharmaceuticals.
Are sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite hazardous chemicals?
Sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite are common preservatives used in cured meat products such as bacon. It has been linked to heart disease and diabetes.
Is sodium nitrate a hazardous chemical?
Sodium nitrate produces toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides. It is a strong oxidant and reacts with combustible and reducing materials. This generates fire and explosion hazards.
What are sodium nitrite disadvantages?
Sodium nitrite can cause serious cardiovascular embarrassment, particularly in children.
Which is harmful sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite?
Sodium nitrate is relatively inert, which means it is stable and unlikely to cause harm. While bacteria in the mouth or enzymes in the body can convert it into sodium nitrite, which may be harmful.