Sodium nitrate
The chemical compound sodium nitrate, the nitrate of sodium with chemical formula NaNO3, is a preservative that prevents botulism. It is used most often in meat because of its pinkish coloring, making grey ground beef look like pink SPAM. 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.
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 kg/m3
Crystal structure
?
Solubility
92 g in 100g water
Thermochemistry
ΔfH0liquid
-452 kJ/mol
ΔfH0solid
-468 kJ/mol
S0solid
117 J/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 (http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/erd/chemicals/8/7076.html)
SI units were used where possible. Unless otherwise stated, standard conditions were used.