C2H3NaO2 is the chemical formula for sodium acetate, a salt formed from the reaction of acetic acid and sodium hydroxide. It appears as a white, crystalline powder and is highly soluble in water. Sodium acetate is commonly used in food preservation, as a flavoring agent, and in various laboratory applications. In addition to its culinary uses, sodium acetate has applications in the textile and dyeing industries. It can also be used in heating pads, where it releases heat upon crystallization. Its versatility makes it an important compound in both industrial and household settings.