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Sodium acetate

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Identification
Molecular formula
NaC2H3O2
CAS number
127-09-3
IUPAC name
sodium;acetate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium acetate exists as a solid, usually in the form of a trihydrate or anhydrous powder.

Melting point (Celsius)
324.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
597.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
881.40
Boiling point (Kelvin)
1 154.60
General information
Molecular weight
82.03g/mol
Molar mass
82.0340g/mol
Density
1.5280g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium acetate appears as a white, crystalline solid. It can also occur in powder form. The compound is odorless and has a slightly salty, vinegar-like taste due to the acetate ion.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Acetate

Sodium acetate (NaC2H3O2) is known for its excellent solubility in water. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Highly Soluble: Sodium acetate is highly soluble in water, with solubility reaching approximately 1,000 g/L at room temperature.
  • Temperature Dependence: Its solubility increases with temperature, meaning that as the water warms, more sodium acetate can dissolve.
  • Common Use: This property makes it a popular choice in various applications, such as in food preservation and as a buffer solution in biochemical experiments.
  • Role of the Ion: The acetate ion (C2H3O2-) interacts favorably with water molecules, contributing to the compound's robust solubility profile.

Due to its high solubility and favorable characteristics, sodium acetate can serve various functions in both laboratory settings and everyday applications. Its ability to easily dissolve in water makes it invaluable in situations requiring precise chemical manipulations.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Sodium Acetate

Sodium acetate is a fascinating compound that often captures the interest of both chemists and students due to its unique properties and applications. Here are some intriguing points to consider:

  • Common Uses: Sodium acetate is frequently used in a variety of industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing. One of its notable applications is as a preservative and seasoning agent in food products.
  • Buffer Solution: This compound plays a key role in buffering solutions, maintaining pH levels in biochemical applications, and is important in various laboratory settings.
  • Heat Pack Innovation: Sodium acetate is a key component in reusable heat packs. When the solid form of sodium acetate is triggered, it crystallizes suddenly, releasing heat in an exothermic process, making it perfect for hot packs.
  • Environmental Impact: It’s also more environmentally friendly compared to some other salts, making it a preferred choice in many applications.
  • Chemical Reactions: The compound plays a fascinating role in chemical reactions, notably in esterification processes, and it can be produced through the reaction of acetic acid with sodium bicarbonate.

Fun Fact:

Sodium acetate can be flavored to produce a salty, vinegar-like taste, contributing to its appeal in the culinary world. This characteristic has led to its use in various snack foods, such as potato chips, providing a delightful tangy flavor.

In Summary:

With a rich array of applications and an interesting chemical behavior, sodium acetate stands out as a versatile compound in the world of chemistry. As chemists continue to explore and utilize its properties, this compound will undoubtedly remain a subject of exploration and discovery.