What is the boiling point of Sodium Acetate 3H2O?

As a supplier of Sodium Acetate 3H2O, I often encounter various questions from customers. One of the frequently asked questions is: "What is the boiling point of Sodium Acetate 3H2O?" In this blog post, I will delve into this topic, exploring the scientific aspects of its boiling point and related properties.

Understanding Sodium Acetate 3H2O

Sodium Acetate 3H2O, also known as Sodium Acetate Trihydrate, is a crystalline solid with the chemical formula CH3COONa·3H2O. It is a hydrate form of sodium acetate, where three water molecules are associated with each sodium acetate unit. This compound is widely used in various industries due to its unique properties.

The Structure and Properties of Sodium Acetate 3H2O

The structure of Sodium Acetate 3H2O consists of sodium ions (Na+), acetate ions (CH3COO-), and water molecules. The water molecules are held within the crystal lattice through hydrogen bonding and other intermolecular forces. This hydrate form gives Sodium Acetate 3H2O certain physical and chemical properties that are different from anhydrous sodium acetate.

In terms of physical properties, Sodium Acetate 3H2O is a colorless or white crystalline powder with a characteristic odor. It is highly soluble in water, and its solubility increases with temperature. The compound is also hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air.

Determining the Boiling Point

To understand the boiling point of Sodium Acetate 3H2O, we need to consider the process of heating the compound. When Sodium Acetate 3H2O is heated, the first step is the loss of the water of crystallization. At around 58°C, the trihydrate loses its three water molecules and forms anhydrous sodium acetate.

The anhydrous sodium acetate has a much higher melting point compared to the trihydrate. The melting point of anhydrous sodium acetate is approximately 324°C. However, when it comes to the boiling point, things get a bit more complicated.

Sodium acetate is a salt, and salts generally have very high boiling points due to the strong ionic bonds between the ions. In the case of sodium acetate, the boiling point is difficult to determine experimentally because at high temperatures, the compound may decompose before it reaches its boiling point.

Under normal atmospheric pressure, sodium acetate will start to decompose at elevated temperatures. The decomposition products may include sodium carbonate, methane, and other substances. Therefore, there is no well - defined boiling point for Sodium Acetate 3H2O in the traditional sense.

Factors Affecting the Behavior at High Temperatures

Several factors can influence the behavior of Sodium Acetate 3H2O at high temperatures. One of the main factors is the purity of the compound. Impurities in the sample can lower the decomposition temperature and affect the overall thermal stability of the compound.

The heating rate also plays a role. A slow heating rate allows the compound to undergo a more controlled process of losing water and potentially reaching higher temperatures without rapid decomposition. On the other hand, a fast heating rate may cause the compound to decompose more quickly.

Applications of Sodium Acetate 3H2O

Despite the complexity of its boiling point and high - temperature behavior, Sodium Acetate 3H2O has a wide range of applications.

In the food industry, it is used as a food additive, acting as a preservative and flavor enhancer. It can help to regulate the acidity of food products and extend their shelf life.

In the pharmaceutical industry, Sodium Acetate 3H2O is used in the preparation of certain medications. It can be used as a buffer to maintain the pH of pharmaceutical formulations.

In the chemical industry, it is used in the production of various chemicals. For example, it can be used as a source of acetate ions in chemical reactions.

Our Offerings as a Supplier

As a supplier of Sodium Acetate 3H2O, we offer high - quality products to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Our Technical Grade Sodium Acetate is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. It is produced using advanced manufacturing processes to ensure high purity and consistent quality.

We also provide detailed product information, including specifications and safety data sheets. Our team of experts is always available to answer any questions you may have about Sodium Acetate 3H2O, its properties, and its applications.

If you are interested in the CAS number of our product, you can refer to CAS NO:6131 - 90 - 4. This number is a unique identifier for Sodium Acetate 3H2O and can be used for reference in various chemical databases and regulatory filings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the boiling point of Sodium Acetate 3H2O is not a straightforward value. Due to the loss of water of crystallization at relatively low temperatures and the decomposition of the compound at high temperatures, there is no well - defined boiling point in the traditional sense.

However, understanding the properties and behavior of Sodium Acetate 3H2O at different temperatures is crucial for its various applications. Whether you are in the food, pharmaceutical, or chemical industry, having a good knowledge of this compound can help you make better use of it in your processes.

If you are looking for a reliable supplier of Sodium Acetate Trihydrate, we are here to assist you. We can provide you with high - quality products and professional technical support. If you have any procurement needs or want to discuss further details, please feel free to contact us for a business negotiation.

References

1. CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics.
2. Kirk - Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology.
3. Textbooks on inorganic and organic chemistry.