what is sodium nitrate chemistry
Sodium nitrate is the chemical compound with the formula Na N O 3. This salt is also known as Chile saltpeter or Peru saltpeter (due to the large deposits found in the Atacama desert in these countries) to distinguish it from ordinary saltpeter, potassium nitrate.odium nitrate should not be confused with sodium nitrite, which is also a common food additive and preservative used for example, in deli meats. Less common applications include as an oxidizer in fireworks replacing potassium nitrate commonly found in black powder and as a component in instant cold packs.