Characteristic

 

Sodium nitrate is the chemical compound with the formula NaNO₃. This alkali metal nitrate salt is also known as Chile saltpeter (large deposits of which were historically mined in Chile) to distinguish it from ordinary saltpeter, potassium nitrate. The mineral form is also known as nitratine, nitratite or soda niter.

Chemical formula:NaNO₃

Molar mass: 84.9947 g/mol

Appearance: White powder or colorless crystals

Odor: sweet

Density: 2.257 g/cm³, solid

Melting point: 308 °C (586 °F; 581 K)

Boiling point: 380 °C (716 °F; 653 K) decomposes

Solubility in water:73 g/100 mL (0 °C);91.2 g/100 mL (25 °C);180 g/100 mL (100 °C)

Solubility: very soluble in ammonia, hydrazine;soluble in alcohol

slightly: soluble in pyridine;insoluble in acetone

Magnetic susceptibility (χ):−25.6·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol

Refractive index (nD):1.587 (trigonal);1.336 (rhombohedral)

Viscosity :2.85 cP (317 °C)

Crystal structure:trigonal and rhombohedral

 

Application

 

Sodium nitrate is used in the production of fertilizers, nitric acid, pyrotechnics, smoke-bombs, glass and pottery enamels. In combination with boron trifluoride it forms an efficient reagent for nitration of aromatic compounds. Adsorption on alumina provides an environmentally benign aromatic nitrating agent. Further it finds use as food preservative and as a solid rocket propellant. It is also used as an electrolyte in a salt bridge, and as thermal storage medium in power generation systems.