sodium nitrite

About sodium nitrite

The content of sodium nitrite or its assay value generally ranges from 98 percent to 995 percent on a dry basis for most commercial and laboratory gradesCommon Content Levels by GradeThe purity requirements for sodium nitrite depend heavily on its application in food preservation dye manufacturing or laboratory researchTechnical or Industrial Grade Typically contains a minimum of 98 percent sodium nitrite This grade is commonly used in metal treatment and the production of diazo dyesFood Grade E250 Usually required to be between 97 percent and 99 percent pure It often contains a small amount of anticaking agents to prevent the powder from clumpingACS Reagent Grade This highpurity form generally has a minimum content of 97 percent to 995 percent and is tested for very low levels of heavy metals and chloridesHigh Purity Grade Can reach 999 percent or higher for specific electronic or analytical applicationsChemical and Physical SpecificationsSodium nitrite is an inorganic compound appearing as a white to slightly yellowish crystalline powder It is highly soluble in water and acts as a strong oxidizing agentPropertyValueChemical FormulaNaNO2Molecular Weight68995AppearanceWhite or slightly yellow crystalline powderSolubility in Water820 grams per liter at 20 degrees CelsiusMelting Point271 degrees CelsiusStorage and HandlingSodium nitrite requires specific handling due to its chemical natureOxidizer It should be stored away from flammable materials and reducing agentsHygroscopic It absorbs moisture from the air so it must be kept in tightly sealed containers to maintain its specified content levelToxicity It is toxic if swallowed and can be hazardous to the environment requiring storage in a cool wellventilated area with restricted accessTypical ImpuritiesDepending on the grade sodium nitrite may contain trace amounts ofSodium nitrateSodium chlorideSodium sulfateHeavy metals such as lead or ironMoisture usually kept below 05 percent