Title: Sodium Nitrate

CAS Registry Number: 7631-99-4

Additional Names: Chile saltpeter; cubic niter; soda niter

Molecular Formula: NNaO3

Molecular Weight: 84.99

Percent Composition: N 16.48%, Na 27.05%, O 56.48%

Line Formula: NaNO3

Literature References: The purified grade contains at least 99% NaNO3. Occurs as a mineral in Chile. Toxicity data: Dollahite, Rowe, Southwest. Vet. 27, 246 (1974).

Properties: Colorless, transparent crystals, white granules or powder; deliquesc in moist air. d 2.26. mp 308°. One gram dissolves in 1.1 ml water, 0.6 ml boiling water, 125 ml alcohol, 52 ml boiling alcohol, 3470 ml abs alcohol, 300 ml abs methanol. When dissolved in water the temp of the soln is lowered. The aq soln is neutral. Keep well closed. LD50 orally in rabbits: 1.955 g anion/kg (Dollahite, Rowe).

Melting point: mp 308°

Density: d 2.26

Toxicity data: LD50 orally in rabbits: 1.955 g anion/kg (Dollahite, Rowe)

Use: Manuf of nitric acid and as catalyst in the manuf of sulfuric acid. Manuf sodium nitrite, glass, enamels for pottery; in matches; for improving burning properties of tobacco; pickling meats; as color fixative in meats. Clinical reagent (parasites). The technical grade is used as fertilizer.