Sodium acetate anhydrous is a white crystalline powder that is the sodium salt of acetic acid. It has the chemical formula CH3COONa and a molecular weight of 82.03 g/mol. It is soluble in water and has a slightly alkaline taste. Sodium acetate anhydrous is used in a variety of applications, including as a food additive, a buffering agent, a laboratory reagent, and in the production of pharmaceuticals and dyes. It is also commonly used in hand warmers as it undergoes an exothermic reaction when dissolved in water, producing heat.