Natriumasetaattia

Natriumasetaatti, or sodium acetate, is the sodium salt of acetic acid with the chemical formula CH3COONa. It commonly appears as an anhydrous crystalline solid or as the trihydrate NaOAc·3H2O. The compound is colorless and highly soluble in water; the anhydrous form is hygroscopic and readily absorbs moisture from the air, while the trihydrate is stable under ordinary conditions. In aqueous solution, it behaves as a weak base due to the acetate ion, giving a mildly basic pH.

Industrial production of sodium acetate is typically achieved by neutralizing acetic acid with sodium hydroxide to form sodium acetate and water. An alternative route is to react acetic acid with sodium carbonate, yielding sodium acetate, carbon dioxide, and water.

Sodium acetate has several practical applications. It is widely used as a buffering agent in laboratory and industrial processes, as well as a food additive (often listed as E262) that functions as a buffering agent and acidity regulator. In addition, sodium acetate is known for its use in heat-pack products and demos involving “hot ice,” where a supersaturated solution crystallizes exothermically to release heat.

Safety and handling considerations are generally modest. It is accepted for food use, but as a chemical substance, it can irritate skin and eyes and should be handled with appropriate protective equipment to avoid inhalation of dust or prolonged exposure. It should be stored in a dry place to minimize moisture uptake.