Sodium acetate facts for kids

Sodium acetate is a chemical with the compound CH₃COONa. It is the sodium salt of acetic acid. Sodium acetate is an irritant, but has many uses.

Uses

On concrete

Sodium acetate is used to reduce the effects of water damage to concrete. It does this by acting as a concrete sealant. Compared to epoxy, which is commonly used, sodium acetate is cheaper and does not damage the environment.

Preparation

While sodium acetate is usually purchased, it can be produced in the laboratory by the reaction of acetic acid with sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or sodium hydroxide.

Industrially, sodium acetate trihydrate is prepared by reacting acetic acid with sodium hydroxide using water as the solvent.

Images for kids

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  A hand warmer containing a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate which releases heat upon crystallization

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  A crystal of sodium acetate trihydrate (length 1.7 centimetres)

See also

In Spanish: Acetato de sodio para niños