Separation of NaOH and NaNO3 for use in A/B

Just picked up a mix of sodium hydroxide and sodium nitrate to use in an A/B extraction.

I didn't realize it had NaNO3 in it until I got home. Is there any way to separate the two? If not, would it be okay to use it in the extraction anyway?

Thanks

 

Well, I think I may have figured it out.

The mixture contained two different sized particles. One substance was about the size of table salt grains, and one substance was the size of small BBs.

I separated the two using a fine wire strainer. Mixed each substance in a separate amount of water. The fine grain solution produced a definite temperature increase (indicating NaOH), and the large grains showed no temperature increase.

I guess I've answered my question. If anyone else has input it would still be appreciated though.

 

First, you can get 100% lye, nearly anhydrous crystals in most non-warehouse hardware stores (at least in U.S.). I use it as a dessicant, so buying it in solution is not useful to me. But, there are a number of generic drain openers that are nothing but NaOH and/or KOH in water.

Second, that NaNO3 is a potentially dangerous impurity that you won't be able to remove with any certainty. Your test doesn't make me confident: NaNO3 into water will not leave the solution's tempurature unchanged. In fact, you should notice a SIGNIFICANT drop in tempurature. NaNO3 is sodium nitrate, FYI and nitrate salts are noted for their endothermic dissolution in water.

Third, and most important: There is a danger if any of the NO3 ions are present (either from sloppy separation of the layers, or slight migration or solvency in the orgainic layer) if you acidify after basing - you will have created some nitric acid and/or nitrous acid. Nitric acid is very active toward organic molecules, possibly turning your orgainic solvent into an unstable explosive, but more likely destroying or altering whatever you intended to purify and extract. One specific reaction between amines and nitrous acid produces exceptionally dangerous carcinogens.

IN SUMMATION: Don't do it.