Sodium acetate trihydrate, with the chemical formula NaCH3CO2·3H2O, is a compound consisting of sodium acetate molecules combined with three water molecules. It is commonly known as sodium acetate trihydrate or simply sodium acetate.
| Chemical Formula | NaCH3CO2·3H2O |
| Molecular Weight | 136.08 g/mol |
| CAS No. | 6131-90-4 |
| E-Code | E262(i) |
| Assay | 99.0% |
| Appearance | It is a white, crystalline powder or solid |
| pH (5% Solution) | 7.5 - 9.0 |
| Loss on Drying | 38.0% |
| Insoluble Matter | Maximum 0.01% |
| Chloride (Cl) | Maximum 0.001% |
| Sulfate (SO4) | Maximum 0.005% |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | Maximum 0.001% |
| Iron (Fe) | Maximum 0.001% |
| Arsenic (As) | Maximum 0.0001% |
Application
Food Industry
Flavor Enhancer: Sodium acetate trihydrate is used as a flavor enhancer in various food products. It can add a tangy or vinegary taste to snacks, sauces, dressings, and seasonings.
Preservative: Due to its antimicrobial properties, sodium acetate trihydrate can act as a preservative in certain food items. It helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and molds, thereby extending the shelf life of the products.
pH Regulator: Sodium acetate trihydrate is employed as a pH regulator or buffering agent in food processing. It helps stabilize the acidity or alkalinity of food formulations, ensuring consistent taste and texture.
Pickling Solution: Sodium acetate trihydrate is used in the production of pickles as part of the pickling solution. It helps maintain the desired pH level and contributes to the tangy flavor of the pickles.
Dairy Products: In the dairy industry, sodium acetate trihydrate can be added to cheese and other dairy products to control acidity levels, enhance flavor, and improve texture.
Meat and Poultry: Sodium acetate trihydrate is sometimes used in meat and poultry products, such as sausages and processed meats, to enhance flavor, inhibit bacterial growth, and extend shelf life.
Snack Foods: It is also utilized in the production of snack foods like chips, popcorn, and pretzels to enhance the taste, provide a tangy flavor, and act as a preservative.
Baked Goods: Sodium acetate trihydrate can be added to certain baked goods, such as bread, cakes, and pastries, to adjust the pH level, enhance flavor, and extend shelf life.
Other Areas
Heat Packs and Hand Warmers: Sodium acetate trihydrate is widely used in heat packs and hand warmers. It is employed as a phase-change material that can store and release heat energy. When the compound crystallizes from a supersaturated solution, it releases heat, providing warmth to these products. They can be easily recharged by heating and melting the crystals again.
Chemical Reagent: Sodium acetate trihydrate is utilized as a chemical reagent in various chemical reactions and laboratory procedures. It is often employed as a source of acetic acid in synthetic organic chemistry, such as esterification reactions, or as a pH regulator in certain reactions.
Buffering Agent: Due to its ability to maintain a specific pH, sodium acetate trihydrate is used as a buffering agent in various applications. It helps stabilize the pH of solutions, making it useful in biochemical and molecular biology research, as well as in the production of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Textile Industry: Sodium acetate trihydrate is utilized in the textile industry for dyeing and printing fabrics. It assists in fixing dyes onto fibers and improving color fastness.
Pharmaceutical Industry: Sodium acetate trihydrate is employed in the pharmaceutical industry for various purposes, including as an excipient in drug formulations, pH adjustment in solutions, and as a component in hemodialysis solutions.
What Foods Commonly Engage with It?
- Potato Chips and Snack Seasonings
- Condiments and Sauces
- Pickles and Pickled Vegetables
- Cheese and Dairy Products
- Baked Goods
- Processed Meats
- Seasoning Blends and Dressings
- Vinegar
- Salad Dressings and Sauces
- Seasoned Nuts and Seeds
- Flavored Popcorn
- Instant Soups and Broths
- Canned Vegetables and Legumes
- Processed Sauces and Gravies
- Seasoned Rice and Pasta Dishes
Is Sodium Acetate Trihydrate Hazardous?
Sodium acetate trihydrate is generally considered safe when used in accordance with established guidelines and regulations. It is a food-grade substance that is commonly used in the food industry and has a wide range of applications. However, like any chemical compound, it should be handled and used responsibly.
As with any substance, it is important to use sodium acetate trihydrate in accordance with approved guidelines and regulations, ensuring proper handling, storage, and usage.
In conclusion, sodium acetate trihydrate, also known as sodium acetate, is a versatile compound with various applications. It is commonly used in the food industry as a flavor enhancer, preservative, pH regulator, and pickling solution component. It finds its way into a wide range of food products, including potato chips, condiments, pickles, cheese, baked goods, processed meats, seasonings, dressings, nuts, popcorn, soups, canned vegetables, sauces, gravies, rice, and pasta dishes. The dosage of sodium acetate trihydrate varies depending on the specific food item, but it generally ranges from 0.1% to 2% in seasoning blends and 0.1% to 0.5% in other food products.
Regarding its safety, sodium acetate trihydrate is considered safe for consumption when used according to regulations. It is approved as a food additive and has low environmental toxicity. However, proper handling and storage are important to ensure safe usage. Sodium acetate trihydrate is also used in non-food applications such as heat packs, chemical reagents, buffering agents, textile dyeing, and pharmaceutical formulations. Overall, when used responsibly and in compliance with guidelines, sodium acetate trihydrate is a valuable ingredient in the food industry and beyond.
