Sodium acetate appears as a white crystalline powder or colorless crystals that have a faint vinegar-like odor.It is hygroscopic in nature and easily soluble in water. It is usually odourless but when heated to decomposition, it smells like vinegar or acetic acid. Medically sodium acetate is given intravenously as an electrolyte replenishement. It corrects the sodium levels in hyponatremic patients.

Properties of Sodium Acetate

Sodium Acetate : CH3COONa

Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass : 82.03 g/mol

Density : 1.528 g/cm³

Boiling Point : 881.4 °C

Melting Point : 324 °C

Uses of Sodium Acetate

It is used for dialysis as a source of sodium ions in solutions.

It is used in the textile industry while using an aniline dye.

It is used as a pickling agent in chrome tanning.

It acts as a concrete sealant.

It can be used in food as a seasoning.

It can be used as a buffer along with acetic acid to keep a relatively constant pH.

It is used in heating pads, hot ice, and hand warmers.

It is used to get rid of the build up of static electricity.