Sodium Nitrite
Sodium Nitrite Salt
- CAS
- 7632-00-0
- EC
- 231-555-9
- Food Code
- E250
- Sectors
- Food & Nutrition, Pharma & Healthcare, Water & Wastewater Treatment
Sodium Nitrite (CAS 7632-00-0) is an inorganic sodium salt supplied as a white to off-white powder, a food additive known as E250 that acts as an oxidizer and is used for food curing, cyanide antidote preparations, corrosion inhibition and rubber accelerators. Density 2.17 g/cm³, melting point 271°C, decomposes above 320°C; soluble in water (848 g/L at 25°C), hygroscopic with slight odor. Acts as both oxidant and reductant; produced by absorbing nitrogen oxides in sodium carbonate solution.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | HNO2.Na |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 69 g/mol |
| Appearance | white to off-white powder |
| Form | powder |
| Color | White or colorless |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Melting point | 271 °C |
| Boiling point | 320 °C |
| Density | 2.26 g/cm³ |
| Water solubility | 820 g/L (20 °C) |
| pH | 9 (100g/l, H2O, 20°C) |
| GHS signal word | Danger · Oxidizing, Acute toxicity, Irritant / harmful, Health hazard, Environmental hazard |
| HS code | 28341000 |
| Grades available | Food Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Sodium Nitrite
Applications
Used in food curing as preservative, diazotization in dyes, corrosion inhibition, antidotes for cyanide, and in rubber accelerators.
Safety & Risks
Toxic; forms carcinogenic nitrosamines, causing methemoglobinemia. Oxidizer; avoid acids and combustibles. Hazard Class 5.1/6.1 with PPE required.
Packaging
In 25kg bags or drums; store cool and dry; rinse for recycling or puncture packaging for landfill.