Sodium Acetate

Sodium Acetate is widely used in the textile industry. Here it is used as a neutralizer and for its light-sensitive properties in the aniline dying process. It is also used in the textile industry to improve the durability of fabrics and as a mordant to help fix dyes on to fabrics.

Sodium Acetate is also used as a buffering agent in leather tanning as it helps to accelerate a faster and more even tanning process. It is also used in the production of synthetic rubber.

Sodium Acetate has a chemical formula of NaC2H3O2. It is the Sodium salt of Acetic Acid. Sodium Acetate has the appearance of white powder or white crystals. Synonyms of Sodium Acetate include Sodium Acetate Anhydrous, Sodium Ethanoate, Sodium Ethanoate Anhydrous, Acetic Acid Sodium Salt and Ethanoic Acid Sodium Salt. Sodium Acetate is moisture-sensitive.

Sodium Acetate is used in the food industry as a seasoning ingredient for prepared foodstuffs. In the form of Sodium Diacetate, it has the E Number 262. When used in this way, it flavours potato crisps to give a distinctive 'salt and vinegar' flavour, without the use of real salt and vinegar. It is also used as a common food preservative in the form of Sodium Diacetate. As a flavour enhancer, it is used to flavour 'beef' and 'poultry' prepared foodstuffs.

Sodium Acetate is used in biochemistry where it acts as a buffer to keep a relatively constant pH level. Sodium Acetate is used in heating pads and hand warmers, where it is particularly useful as its effectiveness is not restricted to a single use. Heating pads and hand warmers can be reactivated by simply boiling in water.

Sodium Acetate is also used in cosmetics manufacturing where it is used as a buffer in the manufacturing process of soaps. The medical industry and a variety of other industries use Sodium Acetate for its buffering properties.

Sodium Acetate is a stable material. It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and halogens. Containers of Sodium Acetate should be kept tightly sealed and in a cool, dry place. Containers of Sodium Acetate should be protected from physical damage. Always read the Material Safety Data Sheet before working with or handling Sodium Acetate. Keep Sodium Acetate away from children and animals. Wear protecting clothing when handling the material, including protective footwear, protective gloves, protective coveralls and approved eye protection.

If you have any concerns about using or working with Sodium Acetate, always refer to your approved Sodium Acetate supplier who will be pleased to advise.