Sodium Nitrate

Sodium Nitrate is a compound that readily absorbs moisture and is also known as Chile saltpeter.

Chemical Formula: NaNO₃

Appearance: Colorless to White crystalline solid which is typically odorless.

Uses:

• Food Industry: Used in food processing and preservation. It is used as a curing agent and color fixative to prevent bacterial growth. 

• Laboratory research: Used in research areas due to its readily available nitrogen source and specific reactions.

• Glass and Ceramics: Sodium Nitrate is used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics as a fluxing agent. It helps lower the melting point of materials, facilitating the fusion of components and improving the flow properties of molten glass or ceramic glazes.

• Analytical Chemistry: In laboratory settings, Sodium Nitrate may be used as a reagent or standard in analytical chemistry techniques, such as spectrophotometry and chromatography.

• Heat Transfer Fluid: Sodium Nitrate is sometimes used as a heat transfer fluid in solar energy systems and thermal storage applications. Its high specific heat capacity and thermal stability make it suitable for storing and transferring thermal energy in concentrated solar power plants and other renewable energy systems.

• Additional Applications: Fertilizers, pyrotechnics, and more.