Resource Stability of SN and N

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I ordered SN recently but I don't plan to use it now (stupid decision, I know). It'll be in a plastic bottle thingy. If I unseal it for testing will I be able to use it in june 2026?

I am not sure that's a good idea. SN oxidises in an accelerated manner when exposed to air. The vaccum seal on the bottle keeps the air and moisture out and it can stay fresh and potent for a long time if stored properly in a dry, non humid environment.

Breaking the seal would let air and moisture ingress into the bottle converting the SN to sodium nitrate rendering it unsuitable for said purpose. I think it's generally a good idea to test just before CTB at least that's what I am planning to do.

Or test on an extra spare that one may have ordered. Once the seal is broken it might be good enough for just 3 months and probably not advisable to be relied on after that period.

 

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My SN is 5 years old in its original unopened airtight box. Is it still good you reckon?

I think it should be, as per the research I've done. Could you test it and let us know the results on this thread when you open it? It would be very useful to a lot of people on this forum am sure.

I am keenly interested as my SN would be about 4 years old by the time I am planning to use it. Mine is in a hdpe container with a factory made vacuum seal. I've placed it in an airtight lock n lock container for further protection. If yours is similar, there is a high chance it could still be good.

The expiry date on my SN is 5 years from the date of manufacture. That means the contents are guaranteed to be within assay specifications (mine is 98.4% pure) within that period by the manufacturer. That doesn't mean that the assay will drop overnight beyond that period.

As per my research if stored well, SN could last twice the shelf life, or maybe even much longer than that - possibly even 15 to 20 years if stored properly of course..as mentioned in the discussion in the link below.

Sciencemadness Discussion Board - Nitrite shelf life - Powered by XMB 1.9.11

 

[Hiro Uchiha]

I think it should be, as per the research I've done. Could you test it and let us know the results on this thread when you open it? It would be very useful to a lot of people on this forum am sure.

I am keenly interested as my SN would be about 4 years old by the time I am planning to use it. Mine is in a hdpe container with a factory made vacuum seal. I've placed it in an airtight lock n lock container for further protection. If yours is similar, there is a high chance it could still be good.

The expiry date on my SN is 5 years from the date of manufacture. That means the contents are guaranteed to be within assay specifications (mine is 98.4% pure) within that period by the manufacturer. That doesn't mean that the assay will drop overnight beyond that period.

As per my research if stored well, SN could last twice the shelf life, or maybe even much longer than that - possibly even 15 to 20 years if stored properly of course.

Sciencemadness Discussion Board - Nitrite shelf life - Powered by XMB 1.9.11

Correct. Proper containment is the determining factor. Deterioration of sn is usually associated with prolonged exposure to vapor+warmer temp. If it's within airtight container, the salt will remain it's purity and viability for years.