Sodium acetate trihydrate (CAS 6131-90-4)

Sodium acetate trihydrate, with the chemical formula CH3COONa·3H2O, is a hygroscopic, crystalline solid that readily dissolves in water, forming a moderately alkaline solution. This compound serves as a versatile reagent in various chemical syntheses and laboratory applications, primarily due to its buffer properties in maintaining pH levels around 4.5 to 5.5 when mixed with acetic acid. The capacity of sodium acetate trihydrate to act as a source of acetate ions makes it a key component in the production of esters by reacting with alkyl halides, a process widely used in organic chemistry for synthesizing various chemical products. In research, sodium acetate is frequently utilized in biochemical experiments that require precise pH control, particularly in the purification and precipitation of nucleic acids where its buffering ability ensures the stability of biochemical environments. Moreover, its use extends to the textile industry in chrome dyeing and printing processes, where it helps to promote the absorption of dyes on fabrics. In the field of materials science, sodium acetate trihydrate is explored for its latent heat properties, making it an ideal candidate for thermal energy storage systems that capitalize on its phase change behavior. This wide range of applications highlights sodium acetate trihydrate′s importance in both industrial and scientific research, providing fundamental contributions to advancements in various technological and scientific fields.