S

Sodium nitrate

IUPAC: sodium nitrate

NaNO3 Salts CAS 7631-99-4
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationNaNO3
CAS Number7631-99-4
Molecular Weight84.995
Melting Point584.2 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling PointDecomposes 716 °F (USCG, 1999)
Density2.26 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility...is soluble in liquid ammonia and forms Na NO3.4NH3 below -42 °C. The solubility in anhydrous methanol is 2.8 wt% at 25 °C.
AppearanceSodium nitrate appears as a white crystalline solid. Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in fire or the combustible material is fin...
Also Known As7631-99-4; Chile saltpeter; Cubic niter; Soda niter; Nitrate of soda; etabisulfite; Nitratine; Sodium saltpeter; Nitrate de sodium; Nitric acid, sodium salt
CategorySalts

What is Sodium nitrate?

Sodium nitrate is the inorganic nitrate salt of sodium. It has a role as a fertilizer. It is an inorganic sodium salt and an inorganic nitrate salt.

Formula & Notation

NaNO3

IUPAC Name: sodium nitrate

Other Names / Synonyms: 7631-99-4; Chile saltpeter; Cubic niter; Soda niter; Nitrate of soda; etabisulfite; Nitratine; Sodium saltpeter; Nitrate de sodium; Nitric acid, sodium salt

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Sodium nitrate appears as a white crystalline solid. Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in fire or the combustible material is fin.... Molecular formula: NNaO3. Molecular weight: 84.995 g/mol. Boiling point: Decomposes 716 °F (USCG, 1999). Melting point: 584.2 °F (USCG, 1999). Density: 2.26 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: ...is soluble in liquid ammonia and forms Na NO3.4NH3 below -42 °C. The solubility in anhydrous methanol is 2.8 wt% at 25 °C..

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point584.2 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling PointDecomposes 716 °F (USCG, 1999)
Density2.26 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight84.995
Solubility...is soluble in liquid ammonia and forms Na NO3.4NH3 below -42 °C. The solubility in anhydrous methanol is 2.8 wt% at 25 °C.
AppearanceSodium nitrate appears as a white crystalline solid. Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in fire or the combustible material is fin...

Uses & Applications

Used in food preservation, water treatment, chemical synthesis, fertilizers, and pharmaceutical applications.

Safety Information

Irritant or toxic depending on specific salt. Some salts are oxidising agents or toxic to aquatic environments. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Sodium nitrate
Formula NaNO3
CAS Number 7631-99-4
Molecular Weight 84.995
Category Salts
Synonyms 7631-99-4; Chile saltpeter; Cubic niter; Soda niter; Nitrate of soda; etabisulfite; Nitratine; Sodium saltpeter; Nitrate de sodium; Nitric acid, sodium salt

Frequently Asked Questions

Sodium nitrate is the inorganic nitrate salt of sodium. It has a role as a fertilizer. It is an inorganic sodium salt and an inorganic nitrate salt.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.