Chemical Property of Nitrosodium
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Chemical Property:
- Appearance/Colour:white to off-white powder
- Melting Point:271 °C(lit.)
- Boiling Point:320 °C
- PSA：52.49000
- Density:2.168 g/cm3
- LogP:0.25060
- Water Solubility.:820 g/L (20℃)
- Hydrogen Bond Donor Count:1
- Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count:3
- Rotatable Bond Count:0
- Exact Mass:69.99049756
- Heavy Atom Count:4
- Complexity:10.3
- Purity/Quality:
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99%min, *data from raw suppliers
Safty Information:
- Pictogram(s):
O, 
T, 
N, 
Xn
- Hazard Codes:
O:Oxidizing agent;
- Statements:
R25:;
R50:;
R8:;
- Safety Statements:
S45:;
S61:;
- MSDS Files:
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SDS file from LookChem
Total 1 MSDS from other Authors
Useful:
- Canonical SMILES:N(=O)O.[Na+]
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Use Description
Sodium nitrite finds applications across various industries due to its diverse properties. In the food industry, it is used as a food preservative and color fixative, helping to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in processed meats like bacon and sausages while preserving their pink color. In the pharmaceutical sector, it can be employed as a vasodilator, helping to widen blood vessels and manage conditions like angina pectoris. Moreover, in the manufacturing of industrial chemicals, sodium nitrite plays a role in the production of dyes, lubricants, and corrosion inhibitors, contributing to various industrial processes. Its versatile functions in preserving food quality, promoting health, and aiding in chemical production highlight its significance in different fields, although its use must be carefully regulated due to potential health risks when consumed in excessive amounts.
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Chemical Properties
Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is a water-soluble, white-yellow-colored crystalline powder.
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Uses
Food Preservative: Used to prevent food spoilage and bacterial contamination, particularly in cured meats.
Antimicrobial Agent: Inhibits the growth of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, including pathogens like Clostridium botulinum.
Coloring Agent: Used to develop and stabilize the color of meat products, giving them a reddish-pink cured color.
Corrosion Inhibitor: Found in antifreeze and used in various industrial applications.
Cyanide Poisoning Antidote: Used as an antidote to cyanide poisoning.
Feral Pig Population Control: Employed in some countries, like Australia, for humane control of feral pig populations.
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Safety and Health Considerations
Despite being regarded by some as a toxic food additive, sodium nitrite has been found to have therapeutic benefits in conditions associated with nitric oxide insufficiency.
Overconsumption of sodium nitrite can lead to methemoglobinemia, a potentially fatal condition where hemoglobin is oxidized to methemoglobin, reducing oxygen release.
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Role in Food Industry
Sodium nitrite is a crucial ingredient in cured meats, either added directly or generated from naturally occurring nitrate by bacterial action. It inhibits microbial growth, prevents spoilage, enhances flavor and color, and extends shelf life, contributing to food safety and quality.
The use of sodium nitrite has revolutionized the meat and poultry industry, allowing for the production of diverse products with improved safety, flavor, texture, and shelf stability.
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Health Benefits and Beyond
Sodium nitrite has recognized health benefits beyond its role in the food industry, particularly in cardiovascular medicine. It plays a vital role in preserving food safety, quality, and public health.
