Sodium nitrate is an inorganic nitrate salt of an alkali metal with the chemical formula NaNO3.It  plays a significant role in numerous industrial, agricultural, and food applications. It is a white, crystalline solid at room temperature and is highly soluble in water. Sodium nitrate naturally occurs in mineral deposits known as nitratine or soda niter.

• Properties

Appearance: White crystalline solid

Odor: Odorless

Solubility: Highly soluble in water

Boiling Point: 380°C (decomposes)

Melting Point: 306.8°C

Molecular Weight: 84.9947 g/mol

• Applications of Sodium Nitrate

The applications of sodium nitrate span several industries due to its chemical characteristics and cost-effectiveness.

Agriculture

Sodium nitrate is most commonly used in the agricultural sector as a high-quality nitrogenous fertilizer. Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for plant growth, and sodium nitrate provides it in a form readily absorbed by plants.

Food Industry

In the food industry, sodium nitrate has been used as a preservative and color fixative in processed meats. However, its usage has been increasingly regulated due to health concerns associated with nitrate and nitrite intake.

Industrial Usage

In industry, sodium nitrate finds application in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, and in metal treatment. It is also used in the production of explosives, particularly dynamite, due to its oxidizing properties.