Sodium Acetate

Product Description

Sodium acetate is a compound with the chemical formula NaCH3COO It is the sodium salt of acetic acid which is a weak acid commonly found in vinegar Sodium acetate is known for its versatile properties and uses

1 Chemical and Physical Properties It is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water It can also exist in an anhydrous waterfree form

2 Buffering Agent Sodium acetate is often used as a buffering agent in solutions to maintain a stable pH This property is useful in various applications including in the pharmaceutical and food industries

3 Food Additive It is classified as a food additive with the E number E262 commonly used in foods such as sauces dressings and snack foods It serves as a preservative and acidity regulator

4 Heating Applications When sodium acetate trihydrate is heated and then allowed to cool it forms a supersaturated solution known as hot ice or instant ice This property is utilized in hand warmers and other heating applications

5 Medical Uses In medicine sodium acetate is sometimes used intravenously as an electrolyte replenisher or as a source of sodium ions

6 Laboratory Applications It is used in various biochemical and molecular biology experiments as a reagent or buffer component

7 Industrial Uses Sodium acetate finds application in dyeing processes as a pickling agent in chrome tanning of leather and in the production of certain chemicals

Overall sodium acetate is a versatile compound with widespread applications in industries ranging from food to pharmaceuticals to textiles Its ability to regulate pH its solubility and its heatrelated properties make it valuable in numerous practical applications