Structure, Preparation, Properties, and uses of Sodium nitrate
What is Sodium Nitrate?
♞Sodium nitrate is a compound with the chemical formula NaNO3.
♞An alkali metal nitrate, also known as Chile saltpeter.
♞This mineral is also known as nitrate, nitrate, or sodium nitrate.
♞The nitrate anion has a trigonal planar structure with three oxygen atoms bonded to a central nitrogen atom.
♞Therefore, the nitrogen atom has a charge of +1 and each oxygen atom has a charge of -2/3.
♞Therefore, the formal net amount of NO3– is -1.
Preparation of sodium nitrate:
♞Industrial synthesis of sodium nitrate is mainly carried out when nitric acid is neutralized with sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or sodium hydroxide.
Here is the reaction:
♞NaHCO3 + HNO3 → NaNO3 + H2O + CO2
♞Na2CO3 + 2HNO3 → 2NaNO3 + CO2 + H2O
♞NaOH + HNO3 → NaNO3 + H2O
Properties of Sodium Nitrate:
1. Physical Properties:
♞it’s white
♞It exists in two different crystal structures, rhombohedral and trigonal.
♞it smells sweet
♞Soluble in water and ammonia
2. Chemistry:
♞Sodium nitrate is a white, crystalline, water-soluble solid.
♞Upon dissolution, sodium nitrate dissociates into Na+ and NO3– ions.
♞It is a strong oxidant and reacts violently with reducing agents.
Applications of Sodium Nitrate:
♞Sodium nitrate is water-soluble nitrogen that is mainly used in fertilizers.
♞Another great use for sodium nitrate is as an explosive that works well with ammonium nitrate.
♞The thermal stability of molten sodium and potassium nitrate solutions is good up to 600 degrees Celsius.
♞Sodium nitrate or NaNO3 is a food additive and preservative used as an oxidizer in firecrackers and instant cool packs.
Sodium Nitrate Concerns:
1. There is increasing evidence that eating processed meat increases the risk of colon cancer.
♞Scientists believe this is due to nitrate levels in processed meats, which are broken down into nitrites in the body.
♞Nitrite then reacts with protein-rich foods to form nitroso compounds.
2. This suggests that there may be a link between elevated nitrate levels in the body and an increased risk of certain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, stomach cancer, and Parkinson’s disease.
Conclusion:
♞Recently, the demand for sodium nitrate has increased significantly due to its use in various fields.
♞Despite concerns over overuse, sodium nitrate is commonly used as a powerful preservative in food, especially fish and meat, to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that can lead to spoilage.
