1. Paints & Coatings

• Corrosion Inhibitor: Sodium nitrite is sometimes included in paint formulations to inhibit corrosion on metal surfaces, particularly in industrial coatings and anti-rust products.
• Pigment Stabilizer: It can help stabilize certain pigments, enhancing color retention and durability in coatings. 

2. Food & Beverage

• Curing Agent: In the food industry, sodium nitrite is widely used in curing meats. It helps to preserve color, enhance flavor, and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium botulinum.
• Antioxidant: It functions as an antioxidant in food products, helping to prevent rancidity and spoilage, thereby extending shelf life.

3. Agrochemicals

• Fertilizer Component: Sodium nitrite is sometimes used as a nitrogen source in fertilizers, promoting plant growth by enhancing nitrogen availability in the soil.
• Pest Control: It can also serve as an ingredient in certain pest control formulations, helping to manage pests while being less harmful to the environment compared to more traditional chemicals.

4. Metal treatment

• Pickling Agent: Sodium nitrite is used in pickling processes to remove oxides and other impurities from metal surfaces, preparing them for further processing or coating.
• Corrosion Inhibitor: It is also employed in various metalworking fluids to prevent corrosion of machinery and tools, extending their lifespan.

5. Pharmaceuticals

• Preservative: Sodium nitrite is used as a preservative in certain pharmaceutical formulations. It helps prevent the growth of bacteria, ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications.
• Synthesis of Active Ingredients: It acts as a reagent in organic synthesis, facilitating the formation of various nitrogen-containing compounds that are vital in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).