Sodium nitrate

Sodium nitrate is used as a component of liquid salt coolants, of quenching baths in the metal industry, of heat storage composition. Used as an oxidizing agent in explosives, rocket fuels, pyrotechnic compositions. It is used in the manufacture of glass and sodium salts, in the food industry.
In the food industry sodium nitrate is widely used as a preservative and coloring agent, and is designated as a food additive E251. As a food additive, E251 acts as an antibacterial agent that prevents the growth of Clostridium botulinum – the causative agent of botulism, severe food poisoning caused by botulinum toxin, and leads to the defeat of the nervous system.