Sodium nitrite, an inorganic compound, is a white crystalline powder that is easily soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol, methanol and ether. It is mainly used to manufacture azo dyes, and can also be used as mordant, bleach and metal heat treatment agent for fabric dyeing. Sodium nitrite is deliquescent and soluble in water and liquid ammonia. Its aqueous solution is alkaline and its pH is about 9. It is slightly soluble in ethanol, methanol, ether and other organic solvents.