Description:

Sodium nitrate is a colorless, odorless, crystalline compound, sometimes referred to as soda niter, nitrate of soda or Chile saltpeter.
CAS Number:   7631-99-4


Properties:
 

  1. Form: Powder
  2. Color: Transparent to white
  3. Odor: Odorless
  4. Taste: Saline, slightly bitter taste
  5. Solubility:  soluble in ammonia
  6. Stability: Stable at room temperature

USES:

It is used for making potassium nitrate, fertilizers, explosives, in the production of high-strength glass, some pharmaceuticals and to preserve meats. 
It can also be used as the raw material for the production of nitric acid, which is also important for fertilizers and explosives, as well as the etching of metals and for the purification and extraction of gold. 
 
Application:
Preserving Meats: Sodium nitrate is a preservative found in processed meats, such as hot dogs, bologna, salami, ham and other deli meats.
Fertilizers: Sodium nitrate contains nitrogen which is important in the growth of plants. 
Glass: Sodium nitrate is involved in a two-stage process for making chemically strengthened  glass.