Definition
ChEBI: Sodium acetate trihydrate is a hydrate. It contains a sodium acetate.
Production Methods
Sodium acetate is prepared by neutralization of acetic acid with
sodium carbonate.
General Description
Sodium acetate trihydrate can be obtained from the crystallization of sodium acetate in water. On heating at 75°C, it melts, while on heating above 120°C it loses water of crystallization and gets converted into anhydrous form. The hyperfine proton and 13C splittings have been evaluated by recording ESR spectra of its irradiated single crystals. ESR studies suggested the existence of trapped methyl radicals. Its crystals are monoclinic and its crystal structure has been investigated by photographic methods. Unit cell parameters were evaluated.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Sodium acetate is used as part of a buffer system when combined
with acetic acid in various intramuscular, intravenous, topical,
ophthalmic, nasal, oral, otic, and subcutaneous formulations. It may be used to reduce the bitterness of oral pharmaceuticals. It
can be used to enhance the antimicrobial properties of formulations;
it has been shown to inhibit the growth of S. aureus and E. coli, but
not C. albicans in protein hydrolysate solutions. It is widely used
in the food industry as a preservative. Sodium acetate has also
been used therapeutically for the treatment of metabolic acidosis in
premature infants, and in hemodialysis solutions.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Sodium acetate trihydrate (SAT) is a phase change material (PCM) that can be easily combined with the preparation of domestic hot water, space heating, solar heating, and radiant floor heating systems. The hydrated salt of SAT possesses high latent heat density and thus can be used for low-temperature heat storage.
Safety
Sodium acetate is widely used in cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceutical
formulations, and is generally regarded as a
nontoxic and nonirritant material.
A short-term feeding study in chickens with a diet supplemented
with 5.44% sodium acetate showed reduced growth rates that were attributed to the sodium content.(9) Sodium acetate is poisonous if
injected intravenously, is moderately toxic by ingestion, and is an
irritant to the skin and eyes.
LD50 (rat, oral): 3.53 g/kg
LD50 (mouse, IV): 0.38 g/kg
LD50 (mouse, SC): 8.0 g/kg
storage
Sodium acetate should be stored in airtight containers.
Incompatibilities
Sodium acetate reacts with acidic and basic components. It will
react violently with fluorine, potassium nitrate, and diketene.
Regulatory Status
GRAS listed. Accepted as a food additive in Europe. Included in the
FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (injections, nasal, otic, ophthalmic,
and oral preparations).
