Sodium Chlorate: Structure, Molecular Mass, Properties and Uses

Sodium Chlorate [NaClO₃] is an inorganic compound readily soluble in water, it looks like a pale to yellow to white crystalline (sugar-like) powder. This compound is basically known as hygroscopic and its sub-lethal exposure to human beings can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, sore throat, dermatitis etc. It is used in making herbicides, dyes, explosives, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paper and other chemicals as well. Sodium Chlorate had widespread use in agriculture as a pesticide and weedicide but this has been banned by European Union as it is injurious to Human as well as environmental health. Moreover, above 300°C, it decomposes to release oxygen and leaves sodium chloride. Here, we will discuss this chemical compound in depth along with some important questions. 

Keyterms: Sodium, Chlorate, inorganic compound, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, sore throat, dermatitis, oxygen

Also check: Periodic Properties of Elements

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What is Sodium Chlorate?

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Sodium Chlorate is an inorganic compound with a chemical formula of NaClO₃ and the compound is hygroscopic salt i.e., its capacity to attract water towards itself from its surroundings via adsorption or absorption is exceptionally high. So, its ability to consistently attract water from its surroundings.

Sodium Chlorate

On chemical grounds, Sodium Chlorate is classified as an oxidising agent, an irritant [for humans] and an environmental hazard. Its appreciably soluble in water and appears as a white crystalline powder.

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Structure of Sodium Chlorate

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Structure of Sodium Chlorate

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Preparation of Sodium Chlorate

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In order to produce Sodium chlorate, Simple Saltwater is electrolyzed and the reaction is known as the Forrester reaction, it goes something like this:

NaCl + 3H₂O + 6e^-

NaClO₃ + 3H₂

This is an exothermic reaction subject to pressure and temperature alterations. It involves multiple steps:

1. Chlorine is stored at the anode while hydrogen is stored at the cathode.
2. Chlorine is then hydrolysed to a hypochlorite anion group which at one point releases Sodium Chlorate.
3. This released Sodium Chlorate are formed in the shape of crystals.
4. Then cell liquor [remaining solution obtained after hydrolysis] is separated from the crystal-like depositions and that is how the Sodium Chlorate is obtained.

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Physical Properties of Sodium Chlorate

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Physical properties of sodium chlorate are:

• It’s an odourless solid.
• Its apparency ranges from pale yellow to white crystalline solid
• Its molecular weight is 106.44 g/mol
• Its soluble in water and glycerol and slightly soluble in acetone as well.
• Its heat capacity is 298.15 J/K
• It has a density of 2.49 g/cm³
• Its boiling point is 300° C and melting point is 248° C
• It has a cubic crystal structure.

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Chemical Properties of Sodium Chlorate

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Chemical properties of sodium chlorate are:

• Sodium Chlorate is a powerful oxidising agent. So, its hypochlorite ion helps to oxidize and blech any chemical.
• In reaction with potassium bromide and hydrochloric acid, it gives compounds like potassium chloride, sodium chloride, Bromine and Water

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

• In reaction with potassium iodide and hydrochloric acid, it gives out sodium chloride, potassium chloride, Iodine and water.

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

• Due to its explosive nature, it is kept in a controlled environment as Sodium chloride will produce flames if brought into contact with wood, sulfuric acid, different metals etc.

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Applications of Sodium Chlorate

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Sodium Chlorate has the following uses:

• It is used in bleaching different chemicals
• It’s used in making explosives
• It’s used in the agricultural sector for making fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides.
• It’s used in the production of different colours, matches, inks, beautifiers, defoliants and calfskin.
• It’s used in Solvay Process along with sulphuric acid.
• It’s used in the large-scale manufacture of dyes as an oxidizing specialist.
• It has uses in pharmaceuticals for the preparation of different kinds of drugs.
• Its most important commercial usage is as bleaching pulp in the production of paper.

Note: although uses of Sodium Chlorate are multiple its chronic exposure can cause harm to human beings and this compound is further classified as an environmental hazard as the compound itself is not combustible but can produce flames if brought into contact with other substances, its explosion releases toxic gases including chlorides and sodium oxides.

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Things to Remember

• Sodium Chlorate is an inorganic compound with the standard chemical of NaClO₃ and its appearance ranges from pale yellow to white crystalline solid.
• Sodium Chlorate is obtained by electrolysis of simple saltwater.
• Sodium chlorate is a powerful oxidising agent readily soluble in water and causes combustion if comes into contact with other substances especially water.
• Sodium Chlorate is mainly used as an oxidising and/or bleaching agent in paper and dye manufacture, its is also used in the manufacture of fertilizers and pesticides.
• Chronic/sub-lethal exposure to Sodium Chlorate can cause health risks in the human body whose symptoms are redness of the skin, blueness of lips and fingernails, vomiting, diarrhoea etc.