Main Page
History
Uses
References
All Atoms Website
Sodium Acetate Crystallization Video
Uses and Production of Sodium Acetate
Sodium acetate has no natural abundance because it cannot be naturally found on earth. Chemical manufacturers and suppliers synthesize sodium acetate by numerous means of donating a sodium (Na+) ion to a polyatomic acetate (CH3COO-) ion with a sodium salt and acetic acid. One of these reactions is listed on the main page. Sodium acetate is fairly cheap, so in most cases where it is used in a product it is bought from a chemical supplier rather than made in a local lab.
Sodium acetate is commonly used in the production of textiles in order to neutralize sulfuric acid waste and to improve the quality of fabric. Due to this ability to neutralize acids, it is also commonly used in soapmaking, as well as pH control in some foods. It is also used in the flavoring of specifically salt & vinegar flavored chips. When in a solution, the sodium ion gives a salty flavor, while the acetate gives a vinegar flavor. Sodium acetate is sometimes also used in diluted injections after IV fluid is injected. It supplies the Na+ ion in certain situations where it is needed but NaCl cannot be used.
Possibly the most well known and purest use of sodium acetate is in hand warmers and heating pads. A supersaturated, but not crystallized, solution of sodium acetate is secured in a bag, along with a small metal clicker. When this metal is "clicked", it begins the reaction of crystallization of the sodium acetate. This reaction gives off heat as it crystallizes, serving its purpose as a warming device, and also giving it the commonly used nickname "hot ice". Many times, this reaction is performed purposefully for demonstrational uses, due to its interesting characteristics.
Sodium acetate handwarming pads