Sodium nitrate

Properties

General
Name	Sodium nitrate
Chemical formula	NaNO3
Appearance	White solid
Physical
Formula weight	85.0 amu
Melting point	580 K (307 °C)
Boiling point	decomposes at 653 K (380 °C)
Density	2.3 ×103 k/m3
Crystal structure	?
Solubility	92 g in 100g water
Thermochemistry
ΔfH0liquid	-452 k/mol
ΔfH0solid	-468 k/mol
S0solid	117 /mol·K
Safety
Ingestion	Very dangerous, possibly fatal.
Inhalation	Similar to ingestion.
Skin	May cause irritation.
Eyes	May cause irritation.
More info	Hazardous Chemical Database
SI units were used where possible. Unless otherwise stated, standard conditions were used. Disclaimer and references

The chemical compound sodium nitrate, the nitrate of sodium with chemical formula NaNO₃, is a preservative that prevents botulism. It also undergoes a series of chemical reactions in meat that impart a red color, making meat appear fresh even when it is not. It is only used in canned meat, not ground beef or steak. Sodium nitrate is not found in canned tuna or chicken because it would make them pink. However, it is found in canned salmon. In the stomach, sodium nitrate produces a harmful compound called nitrosamine. Nitrosamine causes cancer in lab rats. Some people suggest that children and pregnant women should avoid this chemical, but the FDA has taken no action to enforce this.