Sodium Nitrite

Sodium nitrite is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaNO2.

Sodium nitrite is a white to slightly yellowish crystalline powder that is very soluble in water and is hygroscopic.

From an industrial perspective, Sodium nitrite is the most important nitrite salt.

Sodium nitrite is a precursor to a variety of organic compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pesticides, but it is probably best known as a food additive used in processed meats and (in some countries) in fish products.

Sodium nitrite is liable to deliquesce, dissolved in water,soluble in liquid ammonia,slightly soluble in ethanol and glycerin, Melting Point:271°C. Decomposition temperature is 320°C, Sodium nitrite has oxidability and also has reducibility.

Sodium nitrite will slowly be oxidized into sodium nitrate in atmosphere, it can form nitrogen compound with nitrilo at low temperature. Sodium nitrite is a white to pale yellow crystalline powder or granule, taste salty.

Easy absorption of moisture in the air, and can slow absorption oxygen in the air, gradually become sodium nitrate.

Soluble in water, aqueous solution pH is 9, slightly soluble in alcohol.

In organic synthesis isotope enriched sodium nitrite-15N can be used instead of normal sodium nitrite as their reactivity is nearly identical in most reactions.

The obtained products carry isotope 15N and hence Nitrogen NMR can be efficiently carried out.

Other uses of sodium nitrite include the production of herbicides, organic pesticides, printing on cast iron and steel, as polymer inhibitors, antifreeze, lubricants, rubber processing, pulp and paper, industrial and household cleaners, and raw materials used in the production of caffeine and saccharin.

Sodium nitrite appears as a yellowish white crystalline solid.

Noncombustible but will accelerate the burning of combustible material.