Sodium Nitrate Formula – Structure, Properties, Uses, Sample Questions

Sodium (Na), the alkali metal machine of the periodic table (Group 1 [IA]) of the chemical element. Sodium is a very soft silver metal. Sodium is the most common alkali metal, which is the most common alkali metal on planet on Earth, and 2.8% of the Earth’s perception.

The nitrate is an inorganic compound composed of one nitrogen atom (N) and three oxygen atoms (O); Chemical symbol for nitrate NO₃. Nitrate is generally not dangerous to health unless it reduces nitrite (NO₂) (NO₂).

What is Sodium Nitrate?

Sodium nitrate is a common preservative used in cured meats, including bacon, deli meat, and jerky. It is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Due to these concerns, this supplement has been removed from some products.

It is non-flammable and is well soluble in water, hydrazine, and ammonia. Soluble in alcohol, slightly soluble in pyridine, not completely soluble in acetone.

Naturally associated with mineral deposits known as caliche ore found in Peru and Chile. Nitrates accumulate on land as a result of sea fog deposition. Oxidation or drying of sea mist and gravity precipitation of KNO₃, Na₂SO₄, I, NaNO_3, and NaCl in air. Widely used in the production of flame, glass, food preservatives, fuels, fertilizers, smoke grenades, ceramic enamels, and solid propulsion rockets.

Sodium Nitrate Formula

The sodium nitrate formula, also known as the sodium nitrate formula or cubic nitrate formula, is presented in this article. It is an inorganic sodium nitrate salt (Na) composed of sodium in the cationic form. Na⁺, nitrate in anionic form, i.e NO₃. The nitrogen atom of the nitrate ion is bound to three oxygen atoms through two single bonds and one single bond. The chemical or molecular formula of sodium nitrate is NaNO₃.

Structure of Sodium Nitrate 

Sodium nitrate has an ionic bond between one Na⁺ ion and one NO₃-ion. The nitrate anion has a triangular planar structure in which three oxygen atoms are bonded to a central nitrogen atom. The negative charge of these ions is delocalized due to resonance. Thus, the nitrogen atom has a charge of +1 and each oxygen atom has a charge of ⅔. The net official fee for NO₃– is 1. The structure of the NaNO₃ molecule is:

Preparation of Sodium Nitrate

Industrial synthesis of sodium nitrate involves neutralizing nitric acid with sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or sodium hydroxide. The chemical equations for these reactions are:

NaHCO₃ + HNO₃ → NaNO₃ + H₂O + CO₂

Na₂CO₃ + 2HNO₃ → 2NaNO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O

NaOH + HNO₃ → NaNO₃ + H₂O

Therefore, another way to obtain sodium nitrate is the interaction of sodium hydroxide with ammonium nitrate instead of nitric acid. Chemical Reaction:

NH₄NO₃ + NaOH → NH₄OH + NaNO₃

Ammonium nitrate can be reacted with sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate.

Na₂CO₃ + 2NH₄NO₃ → (NH₄)₂CO₃ + 2NaNO₃

NaHCO₃ + NH₄NO₃ → NH₄HCO₃ + NaNO₃

Physical Properties of Sodium Nitrate

• The molecular weight of sodium nitrate calculated from the formula for sodium nitrate is 84.997 g/mol.
• Density of sodium nitrate 2.257 g/cm³.
• Sodium Nitrate Melting Point 308°C, Boiling Point 380°C.
• Soluble in water, ammonia and hydrazine.
• It is an ionic compound with the formula of sodium nitrate, so it is slightly soluble in pyridine and insoluble in acetone.
• The crystal structure of sodium nitrate is triangular and rhombohedral.
• Sodium Nitrate Salt has the ability to retain and retain water.

Chemical Properties of Sodium Nitrate

• When dissolved in water, sodium nitrate is dissolved in Na⁺ and NO₃^–, which is a very strong oxidant; This responds violently with reducing agents.
• At a high temperature, this connection is known to decompose decomposition.

Uses of Sodium Nitrate

Due to its high water solubility, low cost and nitrogen content, sodium nitrate is used in some fertilizers. Other uses for this compound include:

• Aqua regia hybrid form can be made with NaNO₃. This hybrid also has the ability to melt gold.
• This compound acts as a preservative and is widely used as a food additive.
• Sodium Nitrate is used as an oxidizing agent in many types of fireworks.
• Also found in some instant cold compresses.
• NaNO₃ is one of the components used to store and transfer heat in some solar power plants.
• This compound is added to wastewater from several wastewater treatment plants to stimulate the growth of Nitrosomonas bacteria.
• Sodium nitrate is also used in some propellants and is known as a substitute for potassium nitrate in gunpowder.

Sample Questions

Question 1: Why sodium nitrate is bad for you?

Answer: 

It’s thought that sodium nitrate may damage your blood vessels, making your arteries more likely to harden and narrow, leading to heart disease. Nitrates may also affect the way your body uses sugar, making you more likely to develop diabetes.

Question 2: What is the difference between sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate? 

Answer: 

Sodium nitrate is a salt that is often added to jerky, bacon, and luncheon meats. Sodium nitrite, on the other hand, is salt and antioxidant that is commonly used to cure ham and bacon. Both chemicals act as food preservatives and add a red or pink color to processed meats, among other uses.

Question 3: What causes sodium nitrate to explode?

Answer: 

Not combustible, but the substance is a strong oxidizer and its heat of reaction with reducing agents or combustibles may cause ignition. Explosion: Explosive with shock, heat, or friction. Sodium Nitrate decomposes explosively when heated > 538C (1000F).

Question 4: Is sodium erythorbate good for you?

Answer: 

It is common that sometimes consumers have questioned whether sodium erythorbate is bad for our health and what are the side effects in the food we eat. However, it is generally considered safe and almost no reported health risks.

Question 5: Is nitrate harmful to fish?

Answer: 

Nitrate is not toxic to most freshwater fish, except at high levels, and can be reduced sufficiently through periodic water changes. Some nitrate will also be utilized by plants. In natural systems and some aquarium systems, nitrate is converted to nitrogen gas by denitrifying bacteria.