Sodium nitrite is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaNO2. It is a useful precursor to a variety of organic compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pesticides, but it is probably best known as a food additive to prevent botulism.
Note: harmful when consumed directly. It should never be used as regular table salt and should not be sprinkled on food for flavoring.
CAS NO:7632-00-0
Properties:
Form: Powder
Color: colorless or yellow crystal,
Solubility: Soluble in water
Stability:Stable at room temperature in closed containers
USES:
- The main use of sodium nitrite is for the industrial production of organonitrogen compounds
- Sodium nitrite is an effective corrosion inhibitor and is used as an additive in industrial greases
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It is used in a variety of metallurgical applications, for phosphatizing and detinning.
Applications:
- In Medicine sodium nitrite is used together with sodium thiosulfate to treat cyanide poisoning
- Sodium nitrite is responsible for the desirable red color (or shaded pink) of meat.Very little nitrite is needed to induce this change.
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Sodium nitrite acts as an antioxidant in a mechanism similar to the one responsible for the coloring affect.
