sodium acetate charge (CH3COONa) is an industrially prepared chemical compound that is an ester formed by reacting an alkyl halide like bromoethane with acetic acid. Upon dissolution in water, it forms sodium acetate and acetate ions.
Often occurring in the form of trihydrate, sodium acetate is a colorless, odorless, and solid crystalline substance. It consists of one sodium atom, two oxygen atoms, two carbon atoms, and three hydrogen atoms.
It is soluble in water, alcohols, and organic solvents such as methanol and ethanol. It is a white granular powder or appears as monoclinic crystals. It is hygroscopic and usually odourless, although it smells when heated until decomposition occurs.
Medically, sodium acetate is given intravenously to correct hyponatremia in patients with low blood sodium levels due to illness or disease. During intravenous administration, it increases the level of sodium in the blood and improves the condition of the patient.
Sodium acetate is also used as a pH buffer in food preparation to keep the pH of a product relatively constant. It is a popular additive in hot ice, heating pads, hand warmers, and other products that need a relatively constant pH. It is also used as an anti-static agent in disposable cotton pads and to eliminate the buildup of static electricity. It is used in a variety of industrial processes, including chrome tanning and sulfuric acid waste neutralization. It is also used in the textile industry when an aniline dye is used to prevent oxidation of fibers.