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Sodium Chlorate: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Acids, Bases and Salts 2021 ( Acids, Bases and Salts )

This chapter has multiple topics listed below:
Acids, Bases and SaltsAcid StrengthDifference between Acid and Bas...Examples of BasesZinc carbonateZinc NitrateAluminium PhosphateAspartic AcidButyric AcidTannic acidUses of Folic AcidUses of Acetic AcidLactic Acid formulaUses of Citric AcidMagnesium NitrateBarium IodideDilute AcidsMagnesium PhosphateUses of Hydrochloric AcidList of Strong AcidsButanoic AcidSodium ChlorateBarium CarbonateChloroacetic AcidMagnesium BicarbonateRed Cabbage IndicatorSodium HexametaphosphateZinc HydroxidePotassium IodatePeroxydisulfuric AcidPh of Acids and BasesPotassium BromateWeak Acid ExamplesWeak BasesMagnesium HydroxideMonosodium GlutamatePotassium HydroxideNitrous AcidHenderson Hasselbalch EquationDifference between Alkali and B...Properties of BasesSodium CitrateAmmonium PhosphateChemical IndicatorsChromic AcidPerchloric AcidUses of Sodium HydroxideZinc Acetate
Jasleen Taneja

Jasleen Taneja

Updated on Jun 4, 2024 17:01 IST

Sodium chlorate (NaClO3) is a crystalline, pale yellow to white coloured inorganic salt of sodium and chloric acid. It is perfectly soluble in water and is hygroscopic in nature. They are available in powdered, spray or pellet forms.

It is a strong oxidising agent, therefore contact with organic compounds or any easily oxidised materials will lead to explosions. Excessive heat above 300⁰C will decompose sodium chlorate to sodium chloride releasing oxygen, further increasing the intensity of fire. Hence commercial formulations are normally mixed with fire retardants like sodium metaborate to prevent accidental explosions.

Sodium Chloride is also toxic to both plants and animals. A dose with few grams of chlorate is found to be lethal for human beings.

Table of Contents
  1. Laboratory Preparation
  2. Industrial Preparation
  3. Uses of Sodium Chlorate
  4. Sodium Chlorate in class 10
  5. Sodium Chlorate in Class 11
  6. Sodium Chlorate in Class 12
  7. FAQs on Sodium Chlorate

Laboratory Preparation

Chlorine (Cl2) is added to hot and concentrated Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH).

6NaOH + 3Cl2 → 5NaCl + NaClO3 + 3H2O

This is an example of a disproportionation reaction, where the oxidation state of chlorine is both reduced to -1 (in NaCl) and oxidized to +5 (in NaClO3) from its initial 0 oxidation state.

Industrial Preparation

Sodium chlorate is industrially prepared by the electrolysis of hot aqueous sodium chloride solution (brine).

NaCl + 3H2O → NaClO3 + 3H2

It is important to maintain the pH and temperature (about 50 -70 ⁰C), else the product formed will be different.

Uses of Sodium Chlorate

Sodium Chlorate is mainly used to manufacture chlorine dioxide (ClO2), a bleaching agent in the paper industry to bleach pulp to produce pure white papers.

Earlier, it was commonly used as a non-selective herbicide to control growth of certain plants and weeds. After identifying its possible health risks, its usage has been considerably reduced and is even banned in some places.

As sodium chlorate decomposes at high temperature and releases oxygen, it is used in chemical oxygen generators, such as the one in aircrafts to provide emergency oxygen to passengers. The pulling of the emergency mask triggers the process of decomposition. The initial heat required is produced by mixing sodium chlorate and a bit of iron powder. The trace amounts of chlorine released is absorbed by barium peroxide.

2NaClO3 → 2NaCl + 3 O2

In the Solidox welding system, sodium chlorate pellets mixed with combustible fibres are used to produce oxygen.

At times, sodium chlorate mixed with sucrose sugar is used as a highly explosive fuel in airtight spaces. This process is also known as oxygenless combustion, as the reaction takes place under limited oxygen supply and the oxygen required is produced as the reaction progresses.

Sodium Chlorate in class 10

In Chapter 2, Acids, Bases and Salts, the formation of salts is explained.

Sodium Chlorate in Class 11

In Chapter 10, The s-Block Elements – A few compounds of sodium is introduced and formation similar metal compounds are explained.  In Chapter 14, Environmental Chemistry, Sodium Chlorate is classified as a toxic soil pollutant.

Sodium Chlorate in Class 12

In Chapter 7, The p-Block Elements – Chlorine and its compounds are introduced.

FAQs on Sodium Chlorate

Q: What is hygroscopy?

A: Hygroscopy is the ability of a substance to attract water molecules from its surroundings at room temperature and hold them via absorption or adsorption.

Q: What is a disproportionation reaction?

A:  The reactions in which a reagent has an atom or group of atoms in intermediate oxidation state, resulting in the formation of two different products involving the same atom, one at oxidised state while the other contains the reduced form.

Q: What is meant by fire retardants?

A:  Fire retardants are those substances used to control the outbreak, spread or intensity of fire, especially when dealing with flammable materials.

Q: What is an Oxidising agent?

A:  Oxidising agents are those substances which are capable of adding oxygen to other substances.

Q: What is Electrolysis?

A: The technique in which direct current (DC electricity) is used to carry out a non-spontaneous reaction.
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