Sodium Acetate Formula - Structure, Properties, Uses, Applications

The chemical compound Sodium Acetate is composed of a sodium atom (Na), two oxygen atoms (O), two carbon atoms (C), and three hydrogen atoms (H). It can be referred to as sodium salt, anhydrous, or ethanoate depending on the presence of water. Sodium acetate is both hygroscopic and soluble in water and alcohol. It typically has no scent, but when heated it produces a vinegar-like smell due to the breakdown of acetic acid. Combining sodium acetate with an alkyl halide, like bromoethane, creates an ester.

Structure of Sodium Acetate

The sodium acetate formula has two carbon atoms, three hydrogen atoms, one sodium atom, and two oxygen atoms. Because sodium acetate is a common compound, it is important to remember its molecular and chemical formula. Sodium Acetate Formula is commonly used in the food industry as a seasoning. It can also be produced by neutralizing acetic acid.

Properties of Sodium Acetate

The chemical name of the Sodium Acetate Formula is CH ₃ COONa. Moreover, the molecular weight/molar mass is 82.03 g/mol. The density of the Sodium Acetate Formula is 1.528 g/cm3.

Physical Properties of Sodium Acetate

Its formula is CH ₃ COONa and its molar mass is 82.03 g/mol. Its density is 1.528 g/cm3. Its boiling point is 881.4 °C and its melting point is 324 °C.

Chemical Properties of Sodium Acetate

As Sodium Acetate Formula and an alkyl halide, like bromoethane, are combined, methane is produced. Soda lime is a 3:1 mass ratio mixture of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium oxide (CaO).

Also Check – Percent by Weight Formula

Preparations of Sodium Acetate

Vinegar (5-8 percent acetic acid) reacts with sodium carbonate to form sodium acetate (NaHCO ₃ ). This reaction produces carbonic acid, which is then heated to break down and release water and carbon dioxide. To produce sodium acetate in an industrial setting, sodium hydroxide and acetic acid are combined.

Also Check – Percentage Yield Formula

Uses of Sodium Acetate

The Sodium Acetate Formula is useful for various purposes, such as cultivating bacteria as a source of carbon and boosting ethanol precipitation for DNA extraction. It can also be utilized in creating seasonings, either by using sodium acetate or sodium diacetate. For example, it is commonly added to potato chips to impart a salt and vinegar flavor without adding excess moisture. Furthermore, incorporating sodium acetate (anhydrous) into food products is a common practice for regulating pH levels and prolonging shelf-life.

With sodium acetate and acetic acid buffer solution, it is possible to maintain a constant pH level, especially in mildly acidic regions (pH 4–6) where pH-dependent biological activities occur. It is a component of hot ice, hand warmers, and heating pads. In textiles, sodium acetate is used as a photoresist when aniline colours are used to neutralize sulphuric acid waste streams.

A sodium acetate formula can also be used to make pickles. It prevents chloroprene from vulcanizing during the production of synthetic rubber. It prevents static charges from developing in disposable cotton pads. Concrete can be protected from water damage by sealing it with sodium acetate. Sodium acetate is also less expensive and more environmentally friendly than epoxy for sealing concrete against water infiltration.

Also Check – Gibbs Free Energy Formula

Applications of Sodium Acetate

Sodium acetate is a versatile compound with many applications in various industries.

• In biotechnology, it can serve as a carbon source for bacterial cultivation and also aids in extracting DNA by ethanol precipitation, increasing yields. In the industrial sector, sodium acetate is used to remove calcium salts in textiles and as a pickling agent for synthetic rubber production.
• When added to food, it enhances flavor and acts as a preservative, while regulating pH levels during processing. Additionally, it has become popular for use in heating pads and warmers due to its ability to melt at 58.4°C and remain supersaturated when cooling down without crystallization. Medically, sodium acetate injections are used to treat hyponatremia by increasing blood sodium levels.
• In water treatment, it can replace harmful methanol and protect concrete from damage caused by water.
• Even in the cosmetic industry, sodium acetate plays a role as a buffering agent to balance pH levels and enhance product quality.