Sodium+Nitrate

Sodium nitrate is the chemical compound with the formula NaNO 3. This salt, also known as // Chile saltpeter // or //Peru saltpeter// (dude to the large deposits found in each country) to distinguish it from ordinary saltpeter, potassium nitrate, is a white solid which is very soluble in water. The mineral form is also known as nitratine, nitratite or soda niter. Sodium nitrate may be us ed as constituent of fertilizers, pyrotechnics and smoke bombs, glass and pottery enamels, as a food preservative and a solid rocket propellant.Nitrates and nitrites are chemical compounds commonly used in making cured meat products like bacon and hot dogs. It has been mined extensively for these purposes.

Sodium nitrate is a type of salt that happens to be a particularly effective food preservative. A naturally occurring mineral, sodium nitrate is present in all kinds of vegetables (root veggies like carrots as well as leafy greens like celery and spinach) along with all sorts of fruits and grains. Basically, anything that grows from the ground draws sodium nitrate out of the soil. Sodium nitrate occurs naturally in nature it can also be synthesized by neutralizing soda ash with nitric acid.



Facts About Sodium Nitrate
Nitrates and nitrites are chemical compounds commonly used in making cured meat products like bacon and hot dogs. A lot of ink has been spilled discussing the idea that nitrates and nitrites are bad for you, and food manufacturers have introduced all kinds of supposedly "nitrate-free" products to meet the resulting consumer demand.

But what you may not know is that not only are the fears over nitrates completely overblown, but these "nitrate-free" products can actually contain many times more nitrates than conventional products.

Not only that, but a truly nitrate-free hot dog would be much more likely to you sick than a conventional one.

Health Conerns:
Like sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate forms nitrosamines – human carcinogens known to cause DNA damage and increased cellular degeneration. Studies have shown a link between increased levels of nitrates and increased deaths from certain diseases including Alzheimer's, diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's, possibly through the damaging effect of nitrosamines on DNA.Nitrosamines, formed in cured meats containing sodium nitrate and nitrite, have been linked to gastric cancer and oesophageal cancer. Sodium nitrate and nitrite are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer.

2 HNO3 + Na2CO3 → 2 NaNO3 + H2O + CO2

Molar mass: 84.9947 g/mol Boiling point: 380 °C

Sodium nitrate can be found in leafy vegetables and processed meats, these are just two examples of where it can be found in.