Sodium Acetate Trihydrate
Sodium Acetate Trihydrate is a white crystalline solid that is the hydrated form of sodium acetate. It is highly soluble in water and has a mildly alkaline pH in solution. Widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and textile industries, sodium acetate trihydrate serves as a buffering agent, pH regulator, and preservative. Its ability to stabilize pH and act as a neutralizing agent makes it valuable in various industrial and laboratory applications. Additionally, it is used for heat packs due to its exothermic crystallization properties.
Uses
Primary Uses
Food Industry
- Acts as a food additive (E262) used as a flavoring agent and preservative in snack foods, condiments, and pickled products.
- Serves as an acidity regulator to maintain pH stability in processed foods and beverages.
Pharmaceuticals
- Used as a buffering agent in pharmaceutical formulations to stabilize pH.
- Employed in oral rehydration solutions and intravenous fluids as a sodium source and pH balancer.
Chemical Industry
- Functions as a buffering agent in chemical processes and analytical laboratories.
- Used as a neutralizing agent in textile dyeing and printing to control pH during processing.
Heating Pads and Hand Warmers
- Utilized in reusable heat packs and hand warmers due to its exothermic crystallization from supersaturated solutions.
Laboratory and Analytical Applications
- Used as a buffer in electrophoresis, chromatography, and various biochemical assays.
Secondary Uses
Leather Industry
- Employed in tanning processes to adjust pH and improve product quality.
Concrete Sealing and Corrosion Control
- Used in certain concrete admixtures to improve curing and prevent corrosion.
Textile Industry
- Applied in printing pastes and finishing to maintain alkaline conditions.
Cosmetics
Occasionally used in cosmetic formulations as a pH adjuster and buffering agent.
Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Sodium acetate trihydrate
- Common/Trade Name: Sodium Acetate Trihydrate
- CAS Number: 6131-90-4
- HS Code: 29152900
- Synonyms: Acetic acid sodium salt trihydrate, Sodium ethanoate trihydrate
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Crystalline solid
- Color & Odor: White crystals; slight vinegar-like odor possible
- Melting Point: Approx. 58°C (dehydrates)
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water (~76 g/100 mL at 20°C)
- pH (1% aqueous solution): 8.5–9.0 (alkaline)
- Density: Approx. 1.45 g/cm³
Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Generally regarded as non-hazardous; may cause mild skin or eye irritation
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; ingestion in large quantities may cause gastrointestinal upset
- Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limits; follow general safety practices
Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and incompatible materials
- Container Type: Supplied in sealed polyethylene or kraft paper bags
- Shelf Life: Stable for 2–3 years if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Avoid dust generation; use gloves and eye protection when handling powder
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with food-grade standards where applicable (FCC)
- Meets pharmaceutical and chemical industry purity requirements
- Complies with relevant environmental and safety regulations (REACH, OSHA)
Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable and environmentally benign
- Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms at typical use concentrations
Bioaccumulation: Not significant
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves, goggles, and dust mask recommended when handling powder
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhaling dust and direct contact with eyes and skin
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and stored in a dry environment
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek medical help if large amounts ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable and non-combustible
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ for surrounding fires
- Special Precautions: Wear protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus if exposure to decomposition products occurs
Hazardous Combustion Products: May emit sodium oxides and acetic acid vapors on decomposition