Sodium nitrite

Sodium nitrite is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaNO₂. it is for a white to slightly yellowish crystalline powder that is very soluble in water as well as is hygroscopic. From an industrial perspective, this is the the most important nitrite salt. It is a precursor to a line of organic compounds, such(a) as pharmaceuticals, dyes, in addition to pesticides, but it is probably best call as a food additive used in processed meats and in some countries in fish products.

Production

Industrial production of sodium nitrite follows one of two processes, the reduction of nitrate salts, or the oxidation of lower nitrogen oxides.

One method uses molten sodium nitrate as the salt, and lead which is oxidized, while a more contemporary method uses scrap iron filings to reduce the nitrate.

A more normally used method involves the general reaction of nitrogen oxides in alkaline aqueous solution, with the addition of a catalyst. The exact conditions depend on which nitrogen oxides are used, and what the oxidant is, as the conditions need to be carefully controlled to avoid over oxidation of the nitrogen atom.

Sodium nitrite has also been produced by reduction of nitrate salts by exposure to heat, light, ionizing radiation, metals, hydrogen, and electrolytic reduction.