What is the solubility of Trihydrate Sodium Salt in water?
Aug 21, 2025
What is the solubility of Trihydrate Sodium Salt in water?
As a supplier of Trihydrate Sodium Salt, I often encounter questions from customers regarding its solubility in water. Understanding the solubility of this compound is crucial for various applications, ranging from industrial processes to laboratory experiments. In this blog post, I will delve into the details of the solubility of Trihydrate Sodium Salt in water, exploring the factors that influence it and its practical implications.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Trihydrate Sodium Salt, also known as Sodium Acetate Trihydrate, has the Formula:C2H3NaO2.3H2O. This chemical formula indicates that each molecule of Sodium Acetate Trihydrate consists of one sodium ion (Na+), one acetate ion (C2H3O2-), and three water molecules (H2O). The presence of these water molecules in the crystal structure is what gives the compound its trihydrate form.
The crystal structure of Sodium Acetate Trihydrate plays a significant role in its solubility. The water molecules are incorporated into the crystal lattice, forming hydrogen bonds with the acetate ions and sodium ions. These hydrogen bonds help to stabilize the crystal structure and influence the way the compound interacts with water molecules in solution.
Solubility in Water
The solubility of Sodium Acetate Trihydrate in water is relatively high compared to many other salts. At room temperature (around 20°C), approximately 123 grams of Sodium Acetate Trihydrate can dissolve in 100 milliliters of water. This high solubility is due to several factors, including the nature of the ionic bonds in the compound and the ability of the water molecules to interact with the ions.
When Sodium Acetate Trihydrate is added to water, the polar water molecules surround the sodium and acetate ions, breaking the ionic bonds in the crystal lattice. The positive end of the water molecule (the hydrogen atoms) is attracted to the negatively charged acetate ions, while the negative end of the water molecule (the oxygen atom) is attracted to the positively charged sodium ions. This process, known as hydration, results in the formation of a homogeneous solution.
The solubility of Sodium Acetate Trihydrate increases with temperature. As the temperature rises, the kinetic energy of the water molecules increases, allowing them to more effectively break the ionic bonds in the crystal lattice and interact with the ions. For example, at 100°C, the solubility of Sodium Acetate Trihydrate in water increases to approximately 162 grams per 100 milliliters.
Factors Affecting Solubility
Several factors can affect the solubility of Sodium Acetate Trihydrate in water. One of the most significant factors is temperature, as mentioned earlier. Higher temperatures generally lead to increased solubility, while lower temperatures can cause the compound to precipitate out of solution.
The presence of other substances in the water can also affect the solubility of Sodium Acetate Trihydrate. For example, the addition of a common ion (such as sodium or acetate ions from another salt) can decrease the solubility of Sodium Acetate Trihydrate due to the common ion effect. This effect occurs because the increased concentration of one of the ions in the solution shifts the equilibrium of the dissolution reaction, causing more of the compound to precipitate out.
The pH of the solution can also influence the solubility of Sodium Acetate Trihydrate. Since acetate ions are the conjugate base of acetic acid, changes in pH can affect the ionization state of the acetate ions. At low pH values, the acetate ions may be protonated to form acetic acid, which can reduce the solubility of the compound.
Practical Applications
The high solubility of Sodium Acetate Trihydrate in water makes it useful in a variety of applications. One of the most common applications is in heat packs. When Sodium Acetate Trihydrate is heated and then cooled, it can exist in a supersaturated state. When a small crystal is added to the supersaturated solution, it triggers the crystallization process, releasing heat in the process. This property makes Sodium Acetate Trihydrate an ideal material for reusable heat packs.
In the food industry, Sodium Acetate Trihydrate is used as a food additive. It can act as a preservative, pH regulator, and flavor enhancer. Its solubility in water allows it to be easily incorporated into food products.
In the laboratory, Sodium Acetate Trihydrate is often used as a buffer solution. The acetate ions can react with hydrogen ions or hydroxide ions in the solution, helping to maintain a stable pH. Its high solubility in water makes it convenient to prepare buffer solutions of different concentrations.
Technical Grade Sodium Acetate and Sodium Acetate Trihydrate in Our Supply
As a supplier, we offer both Technical Grade Sodium Acetate and Sodium Acetate Trihydrate. Our products are of high quality, with carefully controlled purity and solubility characteristics. We ensure that our customers receive products that meet their specific requirements for various applications.
Whether you are in the food industry, manufacturing heat packs, or conducting laboratory experiments, our Sodium Acetate Trihydrate can provide the solubility and performance you need. Our team of experts is available to assist you in selecting the right product and providing technical support.
Contact for Procurement
If you are interested in purchasing Sodium Acetate Trihydrate for your business or research needs, we invite you to contact us for a detailed discussion. We can provide you with information on pricing, packaging options, and delivery schedules. Our goal is to ensure that you have a seamless procurement experience and access to high - quality Trihydrate Sodium Salt products.
References
- Atkins, P. W., & de Paula, J. (2006). Physical Chemistry. Oxford University Press.
- Chang, R. (2010). Chemistry. McGraw - Hill.
- Lide, D. R. (Ed.). (2003). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. CRC Press.