What is Sodium nitrate?
[[File:Dusičnan sodný.JPG|thumb|Sodium nitrate]] '''Sodium nitrate''', also known as '''caliche''', '''Chile saltpeter''', and '''soda niter''', is a [[chemical compound]]. It contains [[sodium]] and [[nitrate]] [[ion]]s. Its chemical formula is NaNO<sub>3</sub>. == Properties == It can dissolve in water very easily. It is an [[oxidizing agent]]. It is a white [[crystalline]] solid. == Occurrence and preparation == It is found in very dry areas. If it was wet, then the sodium nitrate would dissolve. But it is normally made artificially by reacting [[sodium hydroxide]] and [[nitric acid]]. [[Chile]] used to have much sodium nitrate naturally in the very dry [[Atacama Desert]]. It is found in small amounts in leafy green vegetables. == Uses == It is used to supply [[nitrogen]] to the soil. It is also used in making [[gunpowder]]. Some other [[explosive]]s use it. It can be used to make nitric acid by reaction with [[sulfuric acid]]. It is used in [[rocket]]s and [[smoke bomb]]s. Sometimes it can be a [[food preservation|food preservative]]. == Related pages == * [[Sodium nitrite]] * [[Nitrite]] * [[Ammonium]] [[Category:Sodium compounds]] [[Category:Nitrogen compounds]]