Lithium Sulfate MonohydrateCAS #: 10102-25-7

Synonyms

 Lithium sulphate monohydrate; dilithium sulfate hydrate, Sufuric acid, dilithium slat, monohydrate, diLithoTab hydrate sulfate

Compound Formula: H2Li2O5S 

Molecular Weight: 127.96 

Appearance: White 

Crystalline Powder 

Melting Point: 860°C 

Boiling Point: N/A 

Density: 2.06 g/cm3 

Solubility in H2O: N/A 

Exact Mass: 127.994303 

Monoisotopic Mass: 127.994303

Product Introduction: Sodium Nitrite (NaNO₂, CAS #: 10102-25-7)

Sodium nitrite, with the chemical formula NaNO₂ and CAS number 10102-25-7, is a versatile inorganic compound composed of sodium cations (Na⁺) and nitrite anions (NO₂⁻). This white to pale yellow crystalline solid is valued for its dual role as a preservative and a reducing agent, finding applications in food processing, metallurgy, and chemical synthesis. Its ability to inhibit microbial growth and facilitate metal treatment makes it a staple in industrial and consumer products, though its toxicity requires careful handling and regulation.

Chemical & Physical Properties

Sodium nitrite exhibits key properties that drive its functional versatility:

Solubility: Highly soluble in water (approximately 84.8 g/100 mL at 20°C), with solubility increasing significantly with temperature (163 g/100 mL at 100°C). It is sparingly soluble in ethanol, limiting its use in organic solvent-based formulations.

Melting & Decomposition Points: Melts at 271°C and decomposes above 320°C, releasing toxic nitrogen oxides (NOₓ). This thermal behavior necessitates controlled heating in industrial processes.

Hygroscopicity: Moderately hygroscopic, absorbing moisture from the air and forming clumps if not stored properly, which can affect handling in dry applications.

Density: Approximately 2.17 g/cm³, with a molar mass of 69.00 g/mol, and a crystalline structure that ensures stability under ambient conditions.

Redox Activity: Acts as a reducing agent in acidic environments, converting to nitrate (NO₃⁻), while functioning as an oxidizing agent in alkaline conditions, enabling diverse chemical reactions.

Key Applications

Sodium nitrite (CAS 10102-25-7) is employed across critical industries, leveraging its preservative and reactive properties:

Food Industry: Preservation & Color Retention

Used as a preservative in cured meats (bacon, ham, sausages) to inhibit the growth of Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium causing botulism. It also stabilizes the characteristic pink-red color of cured meats by reacting with myoglobin, preventing discoloration during storage. Regulatory limits (typically <200 ppm) ensure safe consumption.

Metallurgy: Corrosion Inhibition & Metal Treatment

Serves as a corrosion inhibitor in industrial coolants and metalworking fluids, forming a protective oxide layer on metal surfaces (e.g., steel, copper) to prevent rust and pitting. In pickling processes, it removes oxide scales from metal surfaces, preparing them for plating or coating.

Chemical Synthesis: Reagent & Intermediate

Acts as a diazotizing agent in organic chemistry, facilitating the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and pigments. It is also used in the production of hydroxylamine and hydrazine, key intermediates in chemical manufacturing.

Water Treatment: Microbial Control

Added to industrial water systems (e.g., boilers, cooling towers) to control bacteria and algae growth, complementing other biocides and reducing biofilm formation that can impair system efficiency.

Medical Applications: Antidote & Research

Used as an antidote for cyanide poisoning, converting hemoglobin to methemoglobin, which binds to cyanide ions and prevents cellular toxicity. It is also studied for potential roles in cardiovascular therapies, though clinical use is highly regulated.

Advantages & Limitations

Sodium nitrite offers distinct benefits alongside critical considerations:

Preservative Efficacy: Unmatched in inhibiting botulism in cured meats, providing a critical food safety function that alternatives (e.g., celery powder) struggle to replicate consistently.

Cost-Effectiveness: Affordable and readily available, making it suitable for large-scale applications in food processing and metallurgy.

Reactivity: Enables diverse chemical transformations, from diazotization to metal passivation, supporting industrial efficiency.

Limitations: High toxicity (LD₅₀ in humans ~200 mg/kg) poses risks of accidental ingestion, requiring strict dosage controls. In acidic conditions, it can react with amines to form nitrosamines, potential carcinogens, necessitating pH regulation in food and industrial processes.

Synthesis & Quality Control

Sodium nitrite is produced through industrial-scale processes:

Absorption of Nitrogen Oxides: Ammonia is oxidized to nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), which are then absorbed in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution: NO + NO₂ + 2NaOH → 2NaNO₂ + H₂O.

Purification: The resulting solution is evaporated, and crystals are dried to achieve purity levels of 97–99% for industrial grades, with food-grade variants undergoing additional purification to reduce heavy metal impurities.

Quality control includes:

Titration to verify nitrite content, ensuring compliance with food (FDA) and industrial standards.

Heavy metal testing (ICP-MS) to limit lead, arsenic, and cadmium levels (<10 ppm for food-grade).

Moisture analysis to ensure <1% water, preventing clumping and maintaining solubility.

Safety & Handling

Due to its toxicity, sodium nitrite requires strict safety protocols:

Toxicity: Ingestion causes methemoglobinemia (reduced oxygen transport in blood), leading to cyanosis, seizures, or death. Skin/eye contact may cause irritation; inhalation of dust irritates respiratory tracts.

Handling: Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and a dust mask when handling powders. Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry area, separate from acids (which release NOₓ) and reducing agents.

Storage: Label clearly as toxic; restrict access to trained personnel. Food-grade and industrial-grade stocks must be segregated to prevent cross-contamination.

Disposal: Dispose of waste as hazardous material in accordance with local regulations. Neutralize spills with sodium thiosulfate to reduce toxicity before cleanup.

Refer to the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed emergency response procedures, including antidote administration for poisoning.

Packaging & Availability

Sodium nitrite is available in forms tailored to application needs:

Industrial Grade: 25kg–50kg bags or drums for metallurgy and chemical synthesis, with moisture-proof liners.

Food Grade: 1kg–25kg sealed containers (plastic or metal) for food processing, meeting FDA and EU regulations.

Solution Form: 10–50% aqueous solutions in 5L–200L drums for water treatment and metalworking, enabling easy dosing.

Bulk quantities (1,000kg+ ) are available for industrial clients, with custom purities on request.

For technical specifications, regulatory compliance details, or to inquire about safe handling training, contact our team specializing in industrial preservatives and inorganic salts.

Health & Safety Information

 Signal Word: Warning 

Hazard Statements: H302 

Hazard Codes: Xn 

Risk Codes: 22, 36/37/38 

Safety Statements: 26 37 39 

RTECS Number: OJ6419000 

Transport Information: N/A 

WGK Germany: 1

Chemical Identifiers

 Linear Formula: Li2SO4H2O 

Pubchem CID: 165815 

MDL Number: MFCD00149766 

EC No.: 233-820-4 

IUPAC Name: dilithium; sulfate; hydrate 

Beilstein/Reaxys No.: N/A 

SMILES: [Li+].[Li+].O.[O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-] 

InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/2Li.H2O4S.H2O/c;;1-5(2,3)4;/h;;(H2,1,2,3,4);1H2/q2*+1;;/p-2 

InchI Key: RKGLUDFWIKNKMX-UHFFFAOYSA-L

Packing of Standard Packing: 

Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 735 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.