Sodium nitrite is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaNO2. It is a white to slightly yellowish crystallinepowder that is very soluble in water and is hygroscopic. From an industrial perspective, it is the mostimportant nitrite salt. It is a precursor to a variety oforganic compounds, such as pharmaceuticals, dyes, and pesticides, but it isprobably best known as a food additive used in processed meats and (in some countries) in fish products.[