Sodium nitrite and benzyl chloride are two chemicals with very little in common. One is inorganic and commonly used in food, while the other is an extremely toxic organic hydrocarbon. These differences notwithstanding, knowing more about both can help you make good decisions about what products to buy and how best to protect your family.
Benzyl Chloride Chemistry
Benzyl chloride is also known as chlorophenylmethane, chloromethylbenzene, alpha-chlorotoluene and tolyl chloride. This colorless liquid has a distinctively acrid odor. Highly reactive, its flash point is 67 degrees C, or 152.5 F. Flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid can vaporize and be ignited when mixed with air. Since this chemical is so reactive, stablizers such as propylene oxide or trimethylamine are usually added to prevent undesired reactions. Mixing benzyl choride with water produces toxic fumes.
Sodium Nitrite Chemistry
Sodium nitrite is also called nitrous acid sodium salt and diazotizing salt. Although this chemical is very stable, it is hygroscopic, which means that it pulls water vapor out of the air. Sodium nitrite slowly oxidizes when exposed to open air and becomes sodium nitrate.
Uses
Sodium nitrite retards the development of botulinal toxin that is responsible for botulism.The University of Minnesota Extension explains that this chemical "develops cured meat flavor and color, retards development of rancidity and off-odors and off-flavors during storage, inhibits development of warmed-over flavor, and preserves flavors of spices."
Most of the uses of benzyl chloride exploit the high reactivity of this reagent. It is used in the industrial manufacture of various pharmaceuticals, dyes, plasticizers, herbcides and agents that speed the curing of rubber.
Safety
Even very small amounts of benzyl chloride are dangerous. This corrosive chemical irritates the skin, eyes and respiratory system. It is toxic and a probable human carcinogen.
On the other hand, sodium nitrite poses less of a problem, especially in the small doses in which it is customarily used. The University of Minnesota Extension points out that the lethal dose of sodium nitrite is 22 mg/kg body weight. A 154-pound adult has to consume in a single sitting more than 18 lbs. of cured meat containing 200 ppm sodium nitrite to get this much sodium nitrite.
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