Characteristic

 

Sodium nitrite is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaNO₂. It is a white to slightly yellowish crystalline powder that is very soluble in water and is hygroscopic. 

Chemical formula:NaNO₂

Molar mass: 68.9953 g/mol

Appearance: white or slightly yellowish solid

Density: 2.168 g/cm³

Melting point: 271 °C (520 °F; 544 K) (decomposes at 320 °C)

Solubility in water:71.4 g/100 mL (0 °C);84.8 g/100 mL (25 °C);160 g/100 mL (100 °C)

Solubility: soluble in methanol (4.4 g/100 mL) ethanol

slightly: soluble in diethyl ether (0.3 g/100 mL);very soluble in ammonia

Acidity (pKa): ~9

Magnetic susceptibility (χ):−14.5·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol

Refractive index (nD):1.65

Crystal structure:orthorhombic

 

Application

 

Sodium nitrite is used in many industrial applications viz. in meat curing, coloring and preserving. It is used as a reagent in analytical chemistry, an antidote in cyanide poisoning, an electrolyte in electrochemical grinding, as a cooling solution in closed loop systems and as an additive in industrial greases. It finds application as a corrosion inhibitor and in the rubber industry. In metallurgy, it is used for phosphatizing and detinning. It acts as a precursor to diazo dyes, nitroso compounds and various organic compounds like pharmaceuticals. As a food additive, it is used to prevent botulism.