White to pale yellow crystalline powder, odorless, slightly salty in taste, with hygroscopicity.It is readily oxidized to sodium nitrate in air; its aqueous solution is weakly alkaline (pH ≈ 9).It is a strong oxidizing agent and decomposes in contact with weak acids to release brown nitrogen dioxide gas.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Molecular FormulaNaNO2
Density:2.2g/cm³g/cm³
Boiling Point:
Solubility:
Freely soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, methanol and diethyl ether.
Molecular Weight:69.0g/mol
Flash Point:
Melting Point:
Uses
1. Industrial applications:Manufacture of azo dyes, mordant for fabric dyeing, metal heat treatment agent, corrosion inhibitor, bleaching agent.
2. Chemical synthesis:Diazo reagent for organic synthesis, pharmaceutical intermediates, raw material for nitroso compounds.
3. Food sector:Food additive (for compliant use only), used for color development, preservation and bacteriostasis in meat products.
Safety, Security & Risk
Chemical Hazards
May explode if heated above 530 °C.Contact with acids liberates toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides.The substance is a strong oxidizing agent.Reacts with combustible and reducing substances.Risk of fire and explosion.Aqueous solution is weakly alkaline.Reacts with aluminium, ammonium compounds and amines.