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Sodium Chlorate

Last updated: June 15, 2017

What Does Sodium Chlorate Mean?

Sodium chlorate is a hygroscopic inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaClO3. It is available as a white crystalline powder and readily soluble in water. Sodium chlorate disintegrates into oxygen and sodium chloride above 300 °C (572 °F).

Sodium chlorate is corrosive to zinc and mild steel. There is a risk of pitting and stress corrosion cracking in the presence of chlorides.

Sodium chlorate is used to manufacture herbicides, oxidizing agents, explosives, dyes, matches, inks, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, defoliants and leather.

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Corrosionpedia Explains Sodium Chlorate

Sodium chlorate is an inorganic compound. It is a highly powerful oxidizing agent due to its high oxidizing potential. Chlorine dioxide (an oxidizing agent) is produced from sodium chlorate, and then is used by the paper industry to bleach pulp. Sodium chlorate is also a preferred intermediate to produce sodium perchlorate and sodium chlorite.

Some common industrial applications of sodium chlorate include:

  • Surface treatment of metals and cupric chloride etch regeneration in the electronics and automotive industries
  • An oxidant in chemical synthesis
  • Extracting uranium and vanadium in the mining industry
  • Breathing apparatus for firefighters and mine rescue crews

Sodium chlorate by itself is not flammable. When brought into contact with wood, organic matter, ammonium salts, sulfur, sulfuric acid, various metals and other chemicals it may cause fires or explosions. Excessive heat may result in the release of oxygen gas that may increase the intensity of fires and may also cause explosions. It may ignite from friction.

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