CAS Number: 126-96-5
Synonyms:
Acetic acid, sodium salt (2:1)
Sodium hydrogen acetate
Sodium acid acetate
Dykon
Sodium acetate, acetic acid salt
Sodium acetate, acetic acid complex
Chemical Profile:
Molecular Formula: C₄H₇NaO₄ (anhydrous); C₄H₇NaO₄·xH₂O (hydrated forms)
Molecular Weight: 142.09 g/mol (anhydrous)
IUPAC Name: Sodium;acetic acid;acetate
MDL Number: MFCD00071559
EC Number: 204-814-9
E Number: E262 (ii)
PubChem CID: 23664758
SMILES: CC(=O)O.CC(=O)[O-].[Na+]
InChI Key: BHZOKUMUHVTPBX-UHFFFAOYSA-L
Physical Properties:
Appearance: White, hygroscopic, crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Strong, vinegar-like (acetic acid) odor
Solubility: Very soluble in water (1 g/mL); slightly soluble in alcohol; insoluble in ether
pH (10% solution): 4.5-5.0
Melting Point: 75-80°C (decomposes)
Flash Point: >110°C
Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions. Decomposes upon heating, releasing acetic acid vapor.
Method of Synthesis:
Sodium diacetate is produced by the reaction of acetic acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate in a specific 1:1 molar ratio of sodium acetate to acetic acid . The reaction produces the salt complex, which is then crystallized and dried.
Reaction: NaOH + 2CH₃COOH → NaH(CH₃COO)₂ + H₂O
Alternative Method: Reaction of acetic anhydride with sodium hydroxide is more efficient but more expensive and generates significant heat, requiring careful safety precautions .
Mechanism of Action:
Sodium diacetate's preservative and antimicrobial action is due to its ability to release free acetic acid when dissolved in water . This creates an acidic environment that is unfavorable for the growth of many microorganisms, including molds, bacteria, and fungi. The undissociated acetic acid molecule can penetrate the microbial cell membrane, disrupt internal pH, and interfere with essential metabolic processes, leading to cell death or inhibition .
Biological Activities:
Antifungal: Effective against a broad spectrum of molds and yeasts, including species of Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Candida
Antibacterial: Inhibits the growth of bacteria, particularly aerobic spore-formers like Bacillus and Clostridium species, as well as pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli
Antiviral: Some studies suggest activity against certain enveloped viruses
Anti-inflammatory: Can reduce pain and swelling in specific applications, potentially by modulating enzyme activity and gene expression involved in the immune response
Applications:
Food Industry (Primary Application):
Preservative and Mold Inhibitor: Widely used in baked goods (bread, cakes, tortillas) to prevent "rope" spoilage caused by Bacillus subtilis and to inhibit mold growth, extending shelf life
Flavoring Agent and Acidulant: Provides a tangy, vinegar-like flavor to products such as snack foods (potato chips), seasonings, sauces, and salad dressings
Meat and Poultry Processing: Used as a flavor enhancer and antimicrobial agent in processed meats and sausages to control pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes
Animal Feed: Added to silage, grains, and animal feed to prevent fungal and bacterial spoilage, improving feed quality and animal health
Food Additive: Listed as E262(ii) and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food products
Pharmaceutical and Medical Research:
Treatment of Metabolic Acidosis: Sodium acetate (a component) can be used intravenously to correct acidosis
Buffer in Dialysis Solutions: Acts as a buffer in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis fluids to maintain pH balance
Drug Development: Used as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations; under research for potential therapeutic effects in cancer, viral infections, and metabolic disorders
Environmental Research:
Pollution Management: Studied for its potential in bioremediation to treat contaminated soil and water due to its biodegradability and role as a carbon source for microorganisms
Ecosystem Studies: Used to study the effects of organic pollutants and microbial activity in various ecosystems
Industrial Research:
Manufacturing Processes: Used to improve product quality and efficiency in the production of dyes, textiles, and other industrial chemicals
Biodegradable Plastics: Investigated as a precursor or additive in the synthesis of biodegradable polymers
Safety and Toxicology:
Acute Toxicity: Low acute oral toxicity. LD50 (rat, oral): >2000 mg/kg
Eye Irritation: Can cause serious eye irritation (H319)
Skin Irritation: May cause mild skin irritation (H315)
Respiratory Irritation: Inhalation of dust may cause respiratory tract irritation (H335)
Chronic Effects: High doses can potentially cause metabolic alkalosis or hypernatremia due to the sodium content
Target Organs: Eyes, skin, respiratory system
Safety Precautions:
GHS Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: H315, H319, H335
Precautionary Statements: P261, P264, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362, P403+P233, P405, P501
PPE: Wear safety goggles, gloves, and dust mask when handling large quantities
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents, strong bases
Storage:
Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials. Protect from moisture, as it is hygroscopic .
Future Research Directions:
Future research is exploring safer and more effective delivery forms using nanoparticles and liposomes to improve bioavailability and reduce potential toxicity in medical applications .
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT SODIUM DIACETATE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product