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Diss Factsheets

Physical & Chemical properties

Melting point / freezing point

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Administrative data

Link to relevant study record(s)

Referenceopen allclose all

Endpoint:
melting point/freezing point
Type of information:
other: handbook
Adequacy of study:
weight of evidence
Reliability:
2 (reliable with restrictions)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
data from handbook or collection of data
Remarks:
Handbook data are considered from a trusted source. Data have been taken from many sources, including both compilations and the primary literature - where conflicts were found, the value deemed most reliable was chosen. The reference was peer-reviewed. In addition, the reference sources are indicated although not leading to sufficient information on the material & method used.
Guideline:
other: not mentioned
Principles of method if other than guideline:
Method followed unknown; data from handbook.
GLP compliance:
not specified
Melting / freezing pt.:
307 °C
Melting / freezing pt.:
580 K
Conclusions:
The CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (80th ed.) mentions a melting temperature of 307°C for sodium nitrate.
Endpoint:
melting point/freezing point
Type of information:
other: handbook
Adequacy of study:
weight of evidence
Reliability:
4 (not assignable)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
documentation insufficient for assessment
Remarks:
The preface and introduction to this book (9th Edition) provide no indication that the physico-chemical data has been ‘peer reviewed’. The reference source is not indicated leading to insufficient information on the material & method used.
Guideline:
other: not mentioned
Principles of method if other than guideline:
Method followed unknown; data from handbook.
GLP compliance:
not specified
Melting / freezing pt.:
306.8 °C
Decomposition:
yes
Decomp. temp.:
380 °C
Melting / freezing pt.:
580 K
Decomposition:
yes
Decomp. temp.:
653 K

The handbook mentions decomposition at 380°C. However, experience in handling (e.g prilling process) indicates that decomposition takes place at higher temperatures. The first thermal decomposition process for sodium nitrate is observed over 550°C (KH Stern, see additional physico-chemical properties).

Conclusions:
Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials (9th. ed.) mentions a melting temperature of 306.8°C for sodium nitrate.
Endpoint:
melting point/freezing point
Type of information:
other: handbook
Adequacy of study:
weight of evidence
Reliability:
2 (reliable with restrictions)
Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
data from handbook or collection of data
Remarks:
Handbook data are considered from a trusted source. Data have been taken from many sources, including both compilations and the primary literature - where conflicts were found, the value deemed most reliable was chosen. The reference was peer-reviewed. In addition, the reference sources are indicated although not leading to sufficient information on the material & method used.
Guideline:
other: not mentioned
Principles of method if other than guideline:
Method followed unknown, data from handbook
GLP compliance:
not specified
Melting / freezing pt.:
308 °C
Melting / freezing pt.:
581 K
Conclusions:
The Merck Index (12th ed.) mentions a melting temperature of 308°C for sodium nitrate.

Description of key information

Combining three handbooks, the melting point of sodium nitrate is 307°C.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Melting / freezing point at 101 325 Pa:
307 °C

Additional information

The handbooks used:

-The CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (80th ed.)

-The Merck Index (12th ed.)

-Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials (9th. ed.)