Uses
Sodium acetate is widely used in de-icer products, especially at airports, and its supercooling properties allow it to be used in heat pad products. It is used in dyeing processes as a mordant, as a retarder for some elastomers, and in tanning to enable better penetration of the tan.
It is also used as a buffer in petroleum production, and for kidney dialysis processes.
Physical properties
Molecular Weight: 136.08
Chemical Formula: CH3COONa·3H2O
Appearance: Colorless crystals
Odour: Slight acetic acid smell
Solubility: 76 gm/100mls water @ 0°C
Density: 1.45
pH: 8.9
Melting Point: 54°C
Autoignition: 611°C
Warnings and First Aid
Sodium acetate may cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract, redness, soreness and irritaion, coughing, sore throat, laboured breathing and chest pains. Ingesting it may cause abdominal pains, nausea and vomiting. Standard precautions should be taken when handling it, including protective goggles - avoid prolonged contact with the skin and eyes.
The compound may ignite at high temperatures, and suspended dust is an explosion hazard. In the event of fire, standard water extinguishers may be used, as well as dry chemical or carbon dioxide units. In view of the health hazards, protective clothing and breathing apparatus should be used if there are large quantities involved.
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If the fumes are inhaled, give the victim access to fresh air, and seek medical attention in the event of even slight breathing difficulty.
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If ingested, give the victim several glasses of water, but seek medical advice if a large amount (more than say 25 grams) are swallowed.
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Skin contact should be treated by removing contaminated clothing and footwear, and thoroughly rinsing the affected area. If irritation persists, seek professional medical help.
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In the event of eye contact, immediately flush the eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, ensuring that the whole eye is rinsed by lifting the eyelids. It is advisable to seek medical attention in any event.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/question290.htm
http://www.meto.umd.edu/~russ/MSDS/sodium_acetate.htm
http://www.jarchem.com/acets.htm
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