Sodium nitrite

Sodium nitrite is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaNO2. It is a white to slightly yellowish crystalline powder that is very soluble in water and is hygroscopic. From an industrial perspective, it is the most important nitrite salt. It is a precursor to a variety of organic compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pesticides, but it is probably best known as a food additive used in processed meats and (in some countries) in fish products.

General description

Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is an inorganic compound that is commonly used as a reagent and catalyst in synthetic organic chemistry.

Application

Co-catalyst for catalytic oxidation of alcohols under aerobic, solvent-free conditions.

Solvent free aerobic oxidation of alcohols with 1-methyl-2-azaadamantane N-oxyl as a recyclable catalyst through phase separation

Sodium nitrite can be used as a reagent in:      

The Sandmeyer reaction for converting amines into diazo derivatives, and nitration reaction.      

The oxidative C-C bond formation reaction in the presence of oxygen as the terminal oxidant.      

The oxidative carbonitration of alkenes in the presence of K2S2O8.

It can also be used as a nitrating agent in organic synthesis. For example, NaNO2 is used in direct C-H nitration, ipso-nitration, and nitration via transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction.