Other Names:: Chilean saltpeter, Nitratine, Peruvian saltpeter
Description:Sodium nitrate is a chemical compound with the formula NaNO3. This alkali metal nitrate salt is also known as the Chilean salt salt (large deposits of which can be found in Chile). What distinguishes this compound from ordinary potassium nitrate is that its mineral form is nitrate, nitratite, or soda niter.
Usage areas:Sodium nitrate is a white solid that is very soluble in water. Fertilizer is a readily available source of the nitrate anion (NO3−), which is useful in a variety of reactions carried out on industrial scales for the production of pyrotechnics and smoke bombs, glass and pottery enamels, food preservatives (especially meats).