Sodium Acetate Trihydrate - Hot Ice
Sodium Acetate Trihydrate
Sodium Acetate Trihydrate (CAS 6131-90-4), commonly known as "Hot Ice," is a high-purity crystalline compound widely used for reusable heat packs, educational science demonstrations, crystal growth projects, thermal energy storage, and laboratory applications. This versatile material rapidly crystallises from a supersaturated solution, releasing heat and creating a fascinating hot ice effect.
Key Features
✔ High-purity Sodium Acetate Trihydrate (CAS 6131-90-4)
✔ Produces the famous "Hot Ice" crystallisation reaction
✔ Ideal for reusable heat packs and hand warmers
✔ Excellent for crystal growing and educational demonstrations
✔ Available in multiple pack sizes for hobby, educational, and industrial use
Uses
- Reusable hand warmer and heat pack production
- Crystal growing and educational science experiments
- Thermal energy storage applications
- Laboratory and research projects
- Chemistry demonstrations and STEM education
📋 Product Details
Weight Options:
- 250g Aluminium Bag
- 500g Aluminium Bag (or 2 × 250g depending on stock availability)
- 1.5kg Jerry Can
- 3kg (2 × 1.5kg Jerry Cans)
Grade: Technical / Laboratory Grade
Form: White Crystalline Powder / Crystals
CAS Number: 6131-90-4
Chemical Name: Sodium Acetate Trihydrate
Chemical Formula: C₂H₃NaO₂·3H₂O
📈 Other Names
- Sodium Acetate Trihydrate
- Hot Ice Crystals
- Sodium Ethanoate Trihydrate
- Reusable Heat Pack Chemical
- Heat Storage Crystals
- Supersaturated Sodium Acetate
- Crystallisation Demonstration Chemical
- Thermal Storage Compound
- Hand Warmer Crystal Compound
- Sodium Acetate 6131-90-4
SEO Keywords: Sodium Acetate Trihydrate, Hot Ice Crystals, Sodium Ethanoate Trihydrate, Reusable Heat Pack Compound, Hand Warmer Chemical, Crystal Growing Crystals, Hot Ice Experiment, Sodium Acetate CAS 6131-90-4, Thermal Storage Material, Chemistry Demonstration Supplies, STEM Science Materials, Laboratory Chemicals
How to Use – 5 Popular Applications
1. Reusable Heat Pack Solution
Materials
- 100g Sodium Acetate Trihydrate
- 20–30ml distilled water
- Suitable heat-resistant container
Steps
- Add 100g sodium acetate trihydrate to a container.
- Heat gently until fully dissolved.
- Allow the solution to cool undisturbed.
- Trigger crystallisation using a seed crystal or metal clicker.
- Heat is released instantly as crystals form.
Safety: Use heat-resistant containers and avoid contact with hot solutions.
2. Hot Ice Demonstration
Materials
- 200g Sodium Acetate Trihydrate
- 50ml water
Steps
- Dissolve crystals completely with gentle heating.
- Cool the solution without disturbing it.
- Pour onto a small seed crystal.
- Watch crystals rapidly form into a "hot ice" tower.
- Repeat by reheating the crystals.
Safety: Adult supervision recommended during heating.
3. Crystal Growing Project
Materials
- 100g Sodium Acetate Trihydrate
- 25ml warm water
Steps
- Create a saturated solution.
- Filter if necessary.
- Allow slow cooling.
- Place a seed crystal into the solution.
- Leave undisturbed for crystal growth.
Safety: Store away from food and drink.
4. Thermal Energy Storage Testing
Materials
- Desired quantity of Sodium Acetate Trihydrate
- Heat-resistant storage vessel
Steps
- Melt the material by heating.
- Store in insulated containers.
- Allow cooling while remaining liquid.
- Trigger crystallisation when heat is needed.
- Reheat to reset the cycle.
Safety: Follow suitable thermal handling procedures.
5. Educational Chemistry Demonstration
Materials
- Sodium Acetate Trihydrate solution
- Clear laboratory beaker
Steps
- Prepare a supersaturated solution.
- Cool the solution completely.
- Introduce a crystal seed.
- Observe rapid crystallisation.
- Discuss phase change and energy release concepts.
Safety: Wear safety glasses and laboratory gloves when conducting demonstrations.
❓ FAQ
❓ What is Sodium Acetate Trihydrate?
Sodium Acetate Trihydrate is a crystalline salt commonly used in reusable heat packs, science demonstrations, crystal growing projects, and thermal energy storage applications.
❓ Why is it called "Hot Ice"?
When a supersaturated solution crystallises, it forms solid crystals that resemble ice while releasing heat, creating the famous "hot ice" effect.
❓ Can it be reused?
Yes. The crystallised material can be melted and reused repeatedly by heating until fully dissolved.
❓ Is Sodium Acetate Trihydrate suitable for crystal growing?
Yes. It is widely used for educational crystal growing projects and chemistry demonstrations due to its rapid crystallisation properties.
❓ How should it be stored?
Store in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container away from moisture, contamination, food, and beverages.
Technical Specification
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White Crystals |
| Assay | ≥ 97% w/w |
| pH (1% Solution) | 8 – 10 |
| Water Content | 37 – 42% w/w |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 2 ppm |
| Calcium (Ca) | ≤ 2 ppm |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ≤ 1 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 5 ppm |
| Chloride (Cl) | ≤ 100 ppm |
| Sulphate (SO₄) | ≤ 100 ppm |
| Water Insolubles | ≤ 20 ppm |
