Where to buy sodium acetate (chemistry, Firefox, website, video)

[jojajn]

My son needs about 1000 grams of sodium acetate for a science fair project. Does anyone know of a good place or website to buy it from. I'm looking for a decent price and reliable service.

[ShadowCaver]

jojajn - have yas already looked here: "sodium acetate" - Google Product Search

Both Science Company and B&H are good, at least in my experience, as is this firm: Search Results - "sodium acetate"

Curious, can ya share w/ us what he's making; let us know how it turns out?

[jojajn]

Thanks for you help ShadowCaver. I believe my son wants to demonstrate the difference in boiling and freezing points. Apparently, when sodium acetate is dissolved in water by heating the water, when the liquid reaches close to room temp. it instantly freezes. He plans to build ice figures with it for effect.

[Noahma]

Here is a video of what happens.
Sodium Acetate In Action ! - Video

[etk1131]

Great stuff! Wish I had known about this in Chemistry class in HS.

[Brian.Pearson]

Originally Posted by Noahma

Here is a video of what happens.
Sodium Acetate In Action ! - Video

I wonder if he used tap water, or just plain H2O? One of those might've worked better.

[DrJoey]

If you don't want to buy it you can make it by boiling saturated baking soda and slowly adding distilled vinegar.

[Ryan Benasutti]

Originally Posted by jojajn

Thanks for you help ShadowCaver. I believe my son wants to demonstrate the difference in boiling and freezing points. Apparently, when sodium acetate is dissolved in water by heating the water, when the liquid reaches close to room temp. it instantly freezes. He plans to build ice figures with it for effect.

Actually, if you take store-bought sodium acetate, put some in a pan of boiling water and stir until dissolved, put in a glass and let cool in the fridge for 30 mins, then put into a tray and touch it barely when perfectly still it will turn into what looks like ice. Warning, this reaction is exothermic(which means heat) and you can burn yourself. This is also good for sculpting. I got 2nd prize in the school science fair for this.