SODIUM ACETATE
Prepared at the 18th JECFA (1974), published in NMRS 54B (1975) and in
FNP 52 (1992). Metals and arsenic specifications revised at the 59th
JECFA (2002). An ADI not limited' was established at the 17th JECFA
(1973)
SYNONYMS INS No. 262(i)
DEFINITION
Chemical names Sodium acetate
C.A.S. number 127-09-3
Chemical formula C2H3NaO2 · nH2O (n = 0 or 3)
Structural formula CH3COONa · nH2O (n = 0 or 3)
Formula weight Anhydrous: 82.03
Trihydrate: 136.08
Assay Not less than 98.5% after drying
DESCRIPTION Anhydrous: White, odourless, granular, hygroscopic powder
Trihydrate: Colourless, transparent crystals or a granular crystalline powder,
odourless or with a faint, acetic odour. Effloresces in warm, dry air.
FUNCTIONAL USES Buffer
CHARACTERISTICS
IDENTIFICATION
Solubility (Vol. 4) Very soluble in water; soluble in ethanol
pH (Vol. 4) 8.0 - 9.5 (1 in 100 soln)
Test for sodium (Vol. 4) Passes test
Test for acetate (Vol. 4) Passes test
Heat test Anhydrous: When heating the sample slowly, it first fuses gradually and
boils, and later decomposes evolving an unpleasant odour of acetone. A
solution of the residue gives alkaline reaction with litmus paper.
Trihydrate: When heating the sample slowly, it liquefies. Then water
evaporates, and a powder forms. By heating more strongly, the powder
fuses, and becomes lumpy and later decomposes evolving an odour of
acetone. A solution of the residue gives alkaline reaction with litmus paper.
PURITY
Loss on drying (Vol. 4) Anhydrous: Not more than 2.0% (120o, 4 h)
Trihydrate: Between 36 and 42% (120o, 4 h)
Test for potassium Negative test
(Vol. 4)
Acidity and alkalinity Anhydrous: Dissolve 1.2 g of the sample in 20 ml of freshly boiled and
cooled water. Add 2 drops of phenolphthalein TS, and keep the solution at
10o. If a colourless solution is produced, not more than 0.1 ml of 0.1 N
sodium hydroxide should be required to give a pink colour. If a pink colour is
produced, not more than 0.1 N hydrochloric acid should be required to
discharge it.
Trihydrate: Weigh 2 g of the sample and proceed as directed under
Anhydrous above.
Lead (Vol. 4) Not more than 2 mg/kg
Determine using an atomic absorption technique appropriate to the
specified level. The selection of sample size and method of sample
preparation may be based on the principles of the method described in
Volume 4, “Instrumental Methods.”
METHOD OF Weigh accurately about 200 mg of the sample obtained in the test for "Loss
ASSAY on drying". Dissolve in 40 ml of glacial acetic acid, add 2 drops of crystal
violet TS, and titrate with 0.1 N perchloric acid in glacial acetic acid. Perform
a blank determination, and make any necessary correction. Each ml of 0.1
N perchloric acid is equivalent to 8.203 mg of C2H3NaO2.