Sodium Acetate
Alex Nordin
Main Page  History  Uses  References  All Atoms Website  Sodium Acetate Crystallization Video	Percent Composition By Mass: Na- 28.04% C- 24.02% H- 3.024% O- 32.00% Percent Composition By Number: Na- 12.50% C- 25.00% H- 37.50% O- 25.00%      Sodium acetate bonds with both ionic and covalent bonds. The oxygen atoms are attached to one of the carbon atoms with covalent bonds. The hydrogen atoms are attached to the other carbon atom with covalent bonds. The two carbon atoms are attached to each other with covalent bonds, and the sodium ion is attached to one of the oxygen atoms with an ionic bond.      Solid sodium acetate appears as a colorless crystal with a slight odor similar to that of vinegar. In a supersaturated solution it is clear and thick, almost like a gel. When a solid crystal of sodium acetate comes into contact with a cooled, supersaturated solution, the solution quickly crystallizes from the crystal outward in an exothermic reaction. Due to its nature and appearance, this reaction is informally known as the "hot ice" reaction.      Sodium acetate can be easily synthesized in the well known baking soda and vinegar reaction. The reactants are sodium bicarbonate (the baking soda) and the acetic acid (which is found in white distilled vinegar). The following reaction occurs:                  NaHCO3 (s) + CH3COOH (aq) → H2O (l) + CO2 (g) + CH3COONa (aq) Acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate combine, react, and produce liquid water, carbon dioxide gas, and aqueous sodium acetate. By boiling off the water, a solution of pure sodium acetate can be produced.	Chemical Formula: CH3COONa Hydrate: CH3COONa . 3H2O Molar Mass (Anhydride): 82.03 amu Water Release Point: 120oC Boiling Point: Decomposes Decomposition Point: 324oC Density: 1.45 g/cm3 Solubility in H2O: 100 g/mL (0oC)