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Sodium Chlorate Formula – Structure, Properties, Uses, Sample Questions

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The two elements of table salt are our biggest claim to fame. Sodium combines with chlorate to form sodium chlorate. Sodium is a reactive soft metal with a low melting point and is the most commercially important of all alkali metals. Sodium reacts with hydrogen at temperatures above 200ºC to form sodium hydride. It has the atomic number 11 and is represented by the symbol Na on the periodic table.

The chemical formula for the chlorate anion is ClO3. In this case, the chlorine atom is in the +5 oxidation state. “Chlorate” may also refer to a compound containing this anion. Chlorate is a salt of perchloric acid.

Sodium Chlorate 

The compound sodium chlorate is an inorganic substance with the standard NaClO3 equation. Its physical properties include white color and crystalline properties that dissolve quickly in water. It is known in nature to be hygroscopic (absorb moisture from the air). At temperatures above 573 Kelvin, it decomposes, releasing O2 and leaving NaCl. Significant amounts of sodium chlorate are produced each year, primarily from oxidized mass to produce high-quality paper for various purposes.

Sodium Chlorate Formula 

Sodium chlorate is an inorganic compound with the formula NaClO3. It is a white crystalline powder with hygroscopicity. Sodium chlorate can be obtained by electrolysis of a hot solution of sodium chloride. Another name for sodium chlorate is sodium chlorate (V). In this short article, you will learn more about the sodium chlorate formula, its properties, chemical structure, and uses.

Structure of Sodium Chlorate 

Sodium iodide has a chemical formula of NaClO3 and a molar mass of 106.44 g/mol. They are hygroscopic, white crystalline solid forms of cubic crystals. It slowly decomposes into oxygen and salts at about 300°C. Its chemical structure is :

 

Preparation of Sodium Chlorate 

Sodium chlorate is produced by electrolysis of common brine (sodium chloride and water).  The formula for  sodium chlorate is:

NaCl + 3H2O + 6e → NaClO3 + 3H2. 

Also, the procedure may vary with changes in pH and temperature. The preparation of sodium chlorate is very simple. Chlorine gas (Cl2) is stored at the anode and hydrogen gas (H2) is stored at the cathode. The chlorine is then hydrolyzed in the cell to anionic hypochlorite groups to form sodium chlorate at this point. Sodium chlorate particles are in crystalline form. The solution obtained after hydrolysis is often referred to as a cell solution. The solution is then removed from the device. The resulting crystals are washed and dried and then stored in a dry place. It can be sold as crystals or liquid, depending on the application.

Physical Properties of Sodium Chlorate 

  • Colors range from bright yellow to white crystalline solids.
  • It is soluble in water and is heavier than water. Therefore, it can sink and collapse at a high rate.
  • It does not explode on its own but can cause raging fires in contact with water. This causes a highly exothermic reaction. Even if 30% of the molecules are in the water, their unique properties can cause strong oxidation reactions.
  • The density is 2.49 g/cm.
  • Sodium chlorate has a boiling point of 300°C and a melting point of 248°C.
  • Also soluble in some organic solvents such as glycerol and methanol. It is also slightly soluble in acetone.

Chemical Properties of Sodium Chlorate 

  • Sodium Chlorate is a powerful oxidizing agent. Hypochlorite ions help to oxidize and bleach all chemicals.
  • Reaction with potassium bromide and hydrochloric acid produces products in the form of potassium chloride, sodium chloride, bromine, and water.

NaClO3 + 6KBr + 6HCl → 6KCl + NaCl + 3H2O + 3Br2

  • Chemical reaction with potassium iodide and hydrochloric acid produces products in the form of sodium chloride and potassium chloride.

NaClO3 + 6KI + 6HCl → NaCl + 3I2 + 3H2O + 6KCl

  • Can react with various chemicals such as other bromides and acids. Close contact with wood or other similar substances such as sulfuric acid, various metals, and various synthetic materials may cause fire or explosion.
  • It is explosive due to its strong oxidizing properties, so store it separately and use it in a controlled environment.

Uses of Sodium Chlorate 

  • Used to make herbicides, explosives, paints, matches, inks, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, defoliants, paper, and calfskins.
  • Used as a colored pulp in papermaking.
  • Used in the Solvay process using salt with H2SO4 and the presence of CH3OH as a reduction expert. 
  • Used as an oxidizing agent in large-scale dye manufacturing processes, used as an oxidizing and bleaching agent.
  • Used to perform fertilizer and explosives.

Sample Questions 

Question 1: Is sodium chlorate harmful to the human body?

Answer: 

Chronic and/or sub-lethal exposure to sodium chlorate may cause adverse effects on human health, such as redness of the eyes and skin (including dermatitis), sore throat, abdominal pain, green lips or skin, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fainting. There is. Loss of Breath and Consciousness (NIOSH).

Question 2: How do you neutralize sodium chlorate?

Answer: 

If neutralization of sodium chlorite is required under certain circumstances, the chlorite must first be reduced by reacting it with sodium sulfite. It is recommended to use sodium sulfite instead of other reducing agents such as sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3), sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3), and sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O5).

Question 3: Are sodium chlorate-based herbicides banned? 

Answer: 

Sodium chlorate is not approved for use as a herbicide because safe use levels have not been established. It has been banned since 2010 due to concerns about the inability to distinguish plants from weeds.

Question 4: Why is sodium perchlorate harmful to the human body?

Answer: 

Inhalation of sodium perchlorate may cause irritation of the nose and throat. High levels interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, which can cause headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and bluish skin and lips (methemoglobinemia). Higher levels can cause breathing problems, collapse, and even death.

Question 5: Is chlorate the same as chlorine?  

Answer: 

Chloride ion is denoted Cl and chlorate ion is  ClO3. Since both can be further oxidized, they can undergo oxidation reactions. The main difference between chlorine and chlorate is that chloride cannot undergo a reduction reaction whereas chlorate can easily undergo a reduction reaction.

Question 6: What animal toxicology does perchlorate have?

Answer: 

Published toxicological studies of perchlorate have focused primarily on laboratory mammals such as rats and mice. This is partly due to medical interest in the ability of perchlorate to prevent hyperthyroidism by blocking iodine absorption.

Question 7: What does chlorate consist of?

Answer: 

Chlorate is formed by the electrolysis of potassium chloride solution, in such a way that the alkali formed around the cathode comes into contact with chlorine released from the anode at temperatures above 50°C.



Last Updated : 20 Dec, 2023
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