What is Sodium acetate?
[[File:Natriumacetat Kristalle.JPG|thumb|Sodium acetate]] '''Sodium acetate''' is a [[Chemistry|chemical]] with the compound CH<sub>3</sub>COONa. It is the [[sodium salt]] of [[acetic acid]]. Sodium acetate is an [[irritant]], but has many uses. == Uses == Sodium acetate is added to food as a seasoning, sometimes in the form of sodium diacetate, a one-to-one complex of sodium acetate and [[acetic acid]], with the [[E number|E-number]] E262. It is often used to give [[Potato chip|potato chips]] a [[salt and vinegar]] flavour. It is used as a substitute for [[vinegar]] on potato chips as it doesn't add moisture to the final product. Sodium acetate ([[anhydrous]]) is widely used to extend [[Shelf life|shelf-life]] and to control [[pH]]. It is safe to eat at low concentration.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Austen|first=Ian|date=2018-06-09|title=The Secret Story of Salt and Vinegar Chips: the Canada Letter|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/08/world/canada/the-secret-story-of-salt-and-vinegar-chips-the-canada-letter.html|access-date=2021-11-23|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070806101941.htm |title=Potato Chip Flavoring Boosts Longevity Of Concrete |date=8 August 2007 |work=[[Science Daily]]}}</ref> It is also used in [[heating pads]], hand warmers, and hot ice.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2000-04-01|title=How do sodium-acetate heat pads work?|url=https://home.howstuffworks.com/question290.htm|access-date=2023-12-11|website=HowStuffWorks|language=en-us}}</ref> == 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 trih