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SODIUM NITRITE
MATERIAL & FUNCTION
Sodium nitrite has the chemical formula NaNO2. It is a white to slight yellowish
crystalline powder that is very soluble in water and is hygroscopic.
It is a reagent for conversion of amines into diazo compounds. Nitroso compounds
are produced from nitrites. These are used in the rubber industry.
It may also be used as an electrolyte in electrochemical grinding manufacturing
processes, typically diluted to about 10% concentration in water. It is used in a
variety of metallurgical applications, for phosphatizing and detinning.
Sodium Nitrite is an effective corrosion inhibitor.
Sodium nitrite can be used as part of an intravenous mixture to treat cyanide
poisoning. However it has now been made obsolete by hydroxocobalamin if this
newer medicine is available.
Food additive. Sodium nitrite has been found to inhibit growth of disease-causing
microorganisms; give taste and color to the meat; and inhibit lipid oxidation that
leads to rancidity. In the European Union it may be used only as a mixture with salt
containing at most 0.6% sodium nitrite. It has the E number E250. Potassium nitrite
(E249) is used in the same way. It is approved for usage in the EU,] USA and
Australia and New Zealand.
Sodium nitrite is well known for its role in inhibiting the growth of Clostridium
botulinum spores in refrigerated meats. Sodium nitrite is not considered effective
for controlling gram-negative enteric pathogens such as Salmonella and Escherichia
coli.
APPLICATIONS
Sodium Nitrite is widely used as a weak alkali buffer agent for supplementary
feeds, a major raw material for baking powder as food additives and acid
neutralizer agent after chromium tanning in leather manufacturing, as well as dye
stuffs and pharmaceutical ingredients.
Leather & textile
Sodium Nitrite is therefore used in tanning as a neutralizer, buffer, pretreating agent
and cleaner.
Specialty chemical manufacture
Sodium Nitrite is used in synthesizing, processing and purifying chemicals and
polymers, serving as a catalyst, as a neutralizing and buffering agent and a reactant.
Rubber & plastics
Sodium Nitrite is widely used in the rubber and plastics industry as a blowing
agent.
Pollution abatement
Sodium Nitrite is a safe, easy-to-use chemical for biological control of waste-water
treatment. Sodium Nitrite helps maintain proper pH and alkalinity in waste water
