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Chemical Datasheet
SODIUM NITRATE |
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Chemical Identifiers
CAS Number |
UN/NA Number |
DOT Hazard Label |
USCG CHRIS Code |
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NIOSH Pocket Guide |
International Chem Safety Card |
none
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NFPA 704
data unavailable
General Description
A white crystalline solid. Noncombustible but accelerates the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved in fire or the combustible material is finely divided an explosion may result. May explode under prolonged exposure to heat or fire. Toxic oxides of nitrogen are produced in fires. Used in solid propellants, explosives, fertilizers, and for many other uses.
Hazards
Reactivity Alerts
- Explosive
- Strong Oxidizing Agent
Air & Water Reactions
Soluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Yields toxic gaseous oxides of nitrogen when involved in fire.
Behavior in Fire: Explodes when heated to over 1000°C. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
INGESTION: Dizziness, abdominal cramps, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weakness, convulsions, and collapse. Small repeated doses may cause headache and mental impairment. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
A mixture of SODIUM NITRATE and sodium hypophosphite constitute a powerful explosive [Mellor 8, Supp. 1:154 1964]. Sodium nitrate and aluminum powder mixtures have been reported to be explosive,[Fire, 1935, 28, 30]. The nitrate appears to be incompatible with barium thiocyanate, antimony, arsenic trioxide/iron(II) sulfate, boron phosphide, calcium-sodium alloy, magnesium, metal amidosulfates, metal cyanides, powdered charcoal, peroxyformic acid, phenol/trifluoroacetic acid, sodium, sodium nitrite/sodium sulfide, sodium phosphinate, sodium thiosulfate, tris( cyclopentadienyl)cerium, and even wood [Bretherick 5th ed., 1995].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
- Nitrate and Nitrite Compounds, Inorganic
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been
known to react with the
absorbents
listed below.
- Cellulose-Based Absorbents
- Expanded Polymeric Absorbents
Response Recommendations
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 140
[Oxidizers]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. If ammonium nitrate is in a tank, rail car or tank truck and involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, initiate evacuation including emergency responders for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from 140
[Oxidizers]:
SMALL FIRE: Use water. Do not use dry chemicals or foams. CO2 or Halon® may provide limited control.
LARGE FIRE: Flood fire area with water from a distance. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 140
[Oxidizers]:
Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not get water inside containers.
SMALL DRY SPILL: With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.
SMALL LIQUID SPILL: Use a non-combustible material like vermiculite or sand to soak up the product and place into a container for later disposal.
LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Rubber gloves, goggles, laboratory coat. (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
See a physician.
EYES: Rinse with water.
SKIN: Wash with water for 15 minutes.
INGESTION: Drink water, milk, or activated charcoal; then induce vomiting or gastric lavage followed by catharsis. (USCG, 1999)
Physical Properties
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point:
584.2°F
(USCG, 1999)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity:
2.26
at 68°F
(USCG, 1999)
- Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point:
Decomposes 716°F
(USCG, 1999)
Molecular Weight:
84.99
(USCG, 1999)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
No AEGL information available.
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.
PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
Chemical |
PAC-1 |
PAC-2 |
PAC-3 |
Sodium nitrate (7631-99-4)
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4.1 mg/m3 |
45 mg/m3 |
270 mg/m3 |
(DOE, 2018)
Regulatory Information
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
No regulatory information available.
CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
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RELEASE |
THEFT |
SABOTAGE |
Chemical of Interest |
CAS Number |
Min Conc |
STQ |
Security Issue |
Min Conc |
STQ |
Security Issue |
Min Conc |
STQ |
Security Issue |
Sodium nitrate |
7631-99-4 |
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ACG |
400 pounds |
EXP/IEDP |
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(CISA, 2007)
OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
No regulatory information available.
Alternate Chemical Names
- CHILE SALTPETER
- NITER
- NITRATINE
- NITRIC ACID SODIUM SALT (1:1)
- NITRIC ACID, SODIUM SALT
- SALTPETER (CHILE)
- SODA NITER
- SODIUM NITRATE