WHAT IS SODIUM CHLORATE?

Sodium Chlorate (NaClO₃) being an inorganic material has a crystalline nature. It is a powerful oxidizing agent and up to 90 percent is produced worldwide. As it absorbs moisturizer from the air it is hygroscopic and readily soluble in water. It is produced by the chemical reaction of two common raw materials, salt (NaCl) and water (H₂O). Sodium chlorate chemically reacts with acids and bromides and other chemical compounds and even with metals.

Physical Properties

Sodium Chlorate has physical properties similar to other inorganic salts. They are listed below:

• It is a colorless and odorless compound.
• Its color differs from pale yellow to white crystalline powder.
• It is heavier than water, so can break up and sink quickly.
• It is soluble in water and may cause combustion when coming in contact with water.
• Having a cubic crystalline structure, it is slightly soluble in acetone.
• It is soluble in other organic solvents like methanol, etc.

Uses of Sodium chlorate

• It commercially is used for making Chlorine Dioxide with formula (ClO₂).
• It may be used to control a variety of plants as it is an herbicide. Herbicide are used mainly on non-crop lands.
• It is widely used as a bleaching operator as well as a strong oxidant.
• It is used in the manufacturing of plastics, colors, inks, and explosives, Though it is not an explosive by itself, it may cause a fast burn/combustion.
• Moreover, it is used in many drugs in pharmaceuticals, in making fertilizers, and in cosmetics.
• It is utilized in making matches and dyes.

Preparation of Sodium Chlorate

 It is prepared by electrolysis of salty water (NaCl and H₂O)

Chemical properties

• It’s an exothermic reaction.
• Its heat capacity is 104.6jmol per kelvin.
• On heating, it decomposes into solids and oxygen gas.