Sodium acetate trihydrate, a white crystalline substance, has a relative density of 1.45, melts at 58°C, deliquesces in dry air, loses crystalline water at 120°C, and decomposes at higher temperatures.

Anhydrous sodium acetate is a colorless, transparent crystalline solid with a melting point of 324°C.

Soluble in water, suitable for use as a buffering agent, mordant, in the determination of lead, copper, nickel, and iron, for culture medium preparation, organic synthesis, film processing, etc.