What is the osmotic pressure of Sodium Acetate 3H2O solution at different concentrations?
Oct 01, 2025
As a supplier of Sodium Acetate 3H2O, I've always been fascinated by the various aspects of this compound, especially its osmotic pressure at different concentrations. Osmotic pressure is a crucial physical property that has significant implications in many fields, including chemistry, biology, and industry. In this blog, we'll explore the osmotic pressure of Sodium Acetate 3H2O solutions at different concentrations and understand its practical applications.
Understanding Sodium Acetate 3H2O
Sodium Acetate 3H2O, with the Formula:C2H3NaO2.3H2O, is a crystalline solid that contains three molecules of water of crystallization. It is also known by its CAS NO:6131-90-4. This compound is widely used in various industries, such as food, pharmaceutical, and chemical, due to its unique properties.
What is Osmotic Pressure?
Osmotic pressure is the pressure that must be applied to a solution to prevent the inward flow of water across a semi - permeable membrane. It is a colligative property, which means it depends on the number of solute particles in the solution rather than their chemical nature. The osmotic pressure (π) of a solution can be calculated using the van't Hoff equation:
π = iMRT
where i is the van't Hoff factor, M is the molarity of the solution, R is the ideal gas constant (0.0821 L·atm/(mol·K)), and T is the absolute temperature in Kelvin.
Osmotic Pressure of Sodium Acetate 3H2O Solutions at Different Concentrations
The van't Hoff factor (i) for Sodium Acetate 3H2O needs to be considered when calculating the osmotic pressure. Sodium Acetate (NaC₂H₃O₂) dissociates in water as follows:
NaC₂H₃O₂ → Na⁺+ C₂H₃O₂⁻
So, the van't Hoff factor (i) for Sodium Acetate is approximately 2 (assuming complete dissociation).
Let's consider different concentrations of Sodium Acetate 3H2O solutions and calculate their osmotic pressures at a constant temperature, say 298 K (25 °C).
Low - Concentration Solutions
Suppose we have a 0.1 M solution of Sodium Acetate 3H2O. Using the van't Hoff equation, with i = 2, M = 0.1 mol/L, R = 0.0821 L·atm/(mol·K), and T = 298 K:
π = iMRT
π = 2×0.1 mol/L×0.0821 L·atm/(mol·K)×298 K
π = 4.89 atm
Medium - Concentration Solutions
For a 0.5 M solution of Sodium Acetate 3H2O:
π = iMRT
π = 2×0.5 mol/L×0.0821 L·atm/(mol·K)×298 K
π = 24.47 atm
High - Concentration Solutions
If we have a 1.0 M solution of Sodium Acetate 3H2O:
π = iMRT
π = 2×1.0 mol/L×0.0821 L·atm/(mol·K)×298 K
π = 48.94 atm
As we can see from these calculations, the osmotic pressure increases linearly with the increase in the molar concentration of the Sodium Acetate 3H2O solution.
Practical Applications of Osmotic Pressure in Sodium Acetate 3H2O Solutions
Food Industry
In the food industry, Sodium Acetate 3H2O is used as a preservative. The osmotic pressure of its solutions can play a role in preventing the growth of microorganisms. Microorganisms require a certain water activity to survive. By creating a solution with a high osmotic pressure using Sodium Acetate 3H2O, the water activity in the food environment can be reduced, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds.


Pharmaceutical Industry
In the pharmaceutical field, osmotic pressure is important for the formulation of drugs. Sodium Acetate 3H2O can be used in the preparation of solutions for intravenous injections. Maintaining the correct osmotic pressure of these solutions is crucial to ensure that they are compatible with the body's cells. If the osmotic pressure of the injection solution is too high or too low, it can cause damage to the cells and lead to adverse effects.
Chemical Industry
In chemical processes, such as separation and purification, osmotic pressure can be utilized. For example, in membrane - based separation techniques, the difference in osmotic pressure between a solution of Sodium Acetate 3H2O and a pure solvent can drive the separation of solutes and solvents across a semi - permeable membrane.
Our Technical Grade Sodium Acetate Offerings
As a supplier of Sodium Acetate 3H2O, we offer high - quality technical grade products. Our technical grade Sodium Acetate is carefully manufactured to meet the strictest quality standards. Whether you need it for research purposes to study osmotic pressure or for large - scale industrial applications, we can provide you with the right quantity and quality.
We understand the importance of accurate concentration and purity when it comes to using Sodium Acetate 3H2O in different applications. That's why we ensure that our products are thoroughly tested before they are delivered to our customers.
Conclusion
The osmotic pressure of Sodium Acetate 3H2O solutions varies significantly with the concentration of the solution. Understanding this relationship is crucial in many fields, from food preservation to pharmaceutical formulations. As a supplier, we are committed to providing high - quality Sodium Acetate 3H2O products to meet the diverse needs of our customers.
If you are interested in purchasing Sodium Acetate 3H2O for your specific applications, we invite you to contact us for procurement and negotiation. We are ready to offer you the best solutions and support for your projects.
References
- Atkins, P. W., & de Paula, J. (2014). Physical Chemistry. Oxford University Press.
- Chang, R. (2010). Chemistry. McGraw - Hill.
- Kroschwitz, J. I., & Howe - Grant, M. (Eds.). (2007). Kirk - Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. Wiley.
