Sodium Nitrite
Sodium Nitrite is an inorganic white to slightly yellowish crystalline powder with the chemical formula NaNO₂. This versatile chemical serves as a powerful reducing agent, corrosion inhibitor, and food preservative, widely used in meat curing, pharmaceutical synthesis, and industrial applications. Its oxidative properties make it valuable for dye manufacturing and rubber processing while requiring careful handling due to its toxicity.
Uses
Primary Uses
Food Preservation (E250)
- Prevents botulism in cured meats (bacon, hot dogs, sausages)
- Fixes color and enhances flavor in processed meats
Metal Treatment & Corrosion Control
- Primary component in industrial corrosion inhibitor blends
- Passivation agent for steel and other ferrous metals
Dye & Pigment Manufacturing
- Diazotization agent in azo dye production
- Intermediate in color-fast textile dyes
Pharmaceutical Synthesis
- Vasodilator precursor in cardiovascular drugs
- Antidote for cyanide poisoning
Rubber Industry
- Accelerator in rubber vulcanization processes
- Prevents premature curing of rubber compounds
Secondary Uses
Analytical Chemistry
- Reagent for testing amino acids and sulfa drugs
- Oxygen scavenger in chemical analysis
Photography
- Antifogging agent in developer solutions
- Stabilizer in photographic emulsions
Wastewater Treatment
- Oxygen scavenger in boiler water treatment
- Controls hydrogen sulfide in sewage systems
Laboratory Applications
- Standard solution for nitrite determination
- Microbial culture media component
Pesticide Formulations
- Fumigant for agricultural pest control
- Preservative in pesticide concentrates
Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Sodium nitrite
- Common/Trade Name: Nitrous acid sodium salt
- CAS Number: 7632-00-0
- HS Code: 2834.10.00
- Synonyms: Diazotizing salt, E250
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Crystalline powder or pellets
- Color & Odor: White to yellowish; slight salty odor
- Solubility: 84.8 g/100 mL water (20°C)
- Density: 2.17 g/cm³
- pH: ~9 (1% solution)
Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral, Category 3)
- Toxicity: LD₅₀ 180 mg/kg (oral, rat)
- Exposure Limits: TWA 1 mg/m³ (nitrite)
Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Cool, dry, ventilated, away from acids
- Container Type: 25kg fiber drums with poly liners
- Shelf Life: 2 years in original packaging
- Handling Precautions: Avoid contact with combustible materials
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA 21 CFR 172.175 (food-grade)
- REACH registered
- UN1500 (Oxidizing Substances)
Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Not biodegradable
- Ecotoxicity: LC₅₀ 880 mg/L (fish)
- Bioaccumulation: None
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Chemical goggles, nitrile gloves, respirator
- Handling Guidelines: Use local exhaust ventilation
- Storage Measures: Separate from acids and flammables
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Immediate fresh air, medical attention
- Skin Contact: Remove clothing, wash with soap/water
- Eye Contact: Rinse 15 minutes, seek medical help
- Ingestion: Do NOT induce vomiting, call poison control
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Enhances combustion
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Nitrogen oxides