Sodium chlorate is a chemical compound with the formula NaClO3. It is a powerful oxidizing agent commonly used in the production of matches, dyes, and herbicides.
| IUPAC Name | Sodium chlorate |
| Molecular Formula | NaClO3 |
| CAS Number | 7775-09-9 |
| Synonyms | Chloric acid, sodium salt; Naclo3; Chloric acid, sodium salt (1:1); UN1495; Sodiumchlorate; Natrium chloricum; |
| InChI | InChI=1S/ClHO3.Na/c2-1(3)4;/h(H,2,3,4);/q;+1/p-1 |
Sodium Chlorate Properties
Sodium Chlorate Formula
The chemical formula for sodium chlorate is NaClO3. It is an ionic compound made up of one Na+ ion and one ClO3- ion. The Na+ ion has a positive charge, while the ClO3- ion has a negative charge. The formula indicates that one Na+ ion is combined with one ClO3- ion to form the compound.
Sodium Chlorate Molar Mass
The molar mass of NaClO3 is 106.44 g/mol. This is the mass of one mole of the compound, which contains Avogadro’s number (6.022 x 10^23) of molecules. It is calculated by adding the atomic masses of all the atoms in the compound.
Sodium Chlorate Boiling Point
The boiling point of NaClO3 is 300°C (572°F). This is the temperature at which the compound changes from a liquid to a gas. The boiling point is determined by the strength of the intermolecular forces between the molecules.
Sodium Chlorate Melting Point
The melting point of NaClO3 is 248°C (478°F). This is the temperature at which the compound changes from a solid to a liquid. The melting point is determined by the strength of the intermolecular forces between the molecules.
Sodium Chlorate Density g/mL
The density of NaClO3 is 2.49 g/mL. This is the mass of the compound per unit volume. The density is determined by the mass and volume of the substance.
Sodium Chlorate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of NaClO3 is 106.44 g/mol. It is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in the compound.
Sodium Chlorate Structure
The structure of NaClO3 is crystalline. The Na+ ion is surrounded by six oxygen atoms from six different ClO3- ions. The ClO3- ions form a tetrahedral shape around the Na+ ion. The structure is held together by ionic bonds between the Na+ ion and the ClO3- ions.
Sodium Chlorate Solubility
NaClO3 is soluble in water, ethanol, and methanol. It dissolves readily in water to form a clear, colorless solution. The solubility of NaClO3 in water increases with temperature. At 20°C, the solubility is 85 g/100 mL of water.
| Appearance | White solid |
| Specific Gravity | 2.49 g/cm³ |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 106.44 g/mol |
| Density | 2.49 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 248°C (478°F) |
| Boiling Point | 300°C (572°F) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | 85 g/100 mL |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, ethanol, and methanol |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Neutral (7) |
Sodium Chlorate Safety and Hazards
NaClO3 is a strong oxidizing agent and should be handled with care. It is a potential fire and explosion hazard when it comes into contact with organic materials, such as paper, wood, or oil. It can also react violently with reducing agents, acids, and metal powders. Ingestion or inhalation of NaClO3 can cause serious health effects, such as respiratory problems, abdominal pain, and vomiting. NaClO3 can also irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Proper protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator, should be worn when working with NaClO3 to avoid exposure and potential hazards.
| Hazard Symbols | Oxidizing agent |
| Safety Description | Harmful if swallowed, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation |
| UN IDs | UN 1495 |
| HS Code | 2829.19.00 |
| Hazard Class | 5.1 (Oxidizing substances) |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Toxic if ingested or inhaled, irritant to skin and eyes |
Sodium Chlorate Synthesis Methods
Several methods exist for synthesizing NaClO3.
One common method is through the electrolysis of a sodium chloride solution. This involves passing an electric current through the solution, which causes the sodium chloride to break down into NaClO3 and chlorine gas. Another method involves reacting sodium hydroxide with chlorine gas to form NaClO3 and sodium chloride.
A third method involves the reaction of sodium carbonate with chlorine gas in the presence of a catalyst. This produces NaClO3, sodium chloride, and carbon dioxide gas. The reaction between sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide can produce NaClO3 as an alternative. This reaction results in the formation of NaClO3, sodium chloride, and water.
In addition to these methods, NaClO3 can also be produced by the reaction of sodium chlorite with hydrogen peroxide. This reaction results in the formation of NaClO3, water, and oxygen gas.
Sodium Chlorate Uses
NaClO3 has a variety of uses in various industries. Some of its common uses include:
- Herbicide: Widely used as an herbicide, particularly for weed control in non-crop areas such as roadsides, railroads, and power lines. By disrupting photosynthesis in plants, it can effectively control a variety of weeds.
- Bleaching agent: Used in the pulp and paper industry as a bleaching agent. It is particularly effective in the production of high-quality, bright white paper.
- Mining: Used in the mining industry as an oxidizing agent for the extraction of gold and other precious metals.
- Explosives: Used as an ingredient in the manufacture of explosives such as dynamite and ammonium chlorate.
- Dyes and pigments: Used in the production of dyes and pigments, particularly for the coloration of textiles.
- Laboratory: Used in laboratory settings as a reagent for various chemical reactions.
- Water treatment: Used in the treatment of water to control algae growth and as a disinfectant.
- Food preservative: Also used as a food preservative to extend the shelf life of certain foods.
Questions:
Q: How to make sodium chlorate?
A: NaClO3 can be made through several methods such as electrolysis of a sodium chloride solution, reaction of sodium hydroxide with chlorine gas, and reaction of sodium carbonate with chlorine gas in the presence of a catalyst.
Q: How long does sodium chlorate take to kill weeds?
A: NaClO3 is a powerful herbicide and can kill weeds within a few days of application. The time it takes to kill weeds may vary depending on factors such as the concentration of NaClO3 used and the type of weed being targeted.
Q: Is sodium chlorate a pure substance?
A: Yes, NaClO3 is a pure substance as it is a compound made up of only sodium, chlorine, and oxygen atoms.
Q: Is sodium chlorate soluble in water?
A: Yes, NaClO3 is highly soluble in water. It can dissolve in water to form a clear, colorless solution.
Q: How many oxygen atoms are in a sodium chlorate molecule?
A: A NaClO3 molecule has three oxygen atoms. Its chemical formula is NaClO3.
Q: Is sodium chlorate ionic or covalent?
A: NaClO3 is an ionic compound. It is formed by the transfer of electrons from sodium to chlorine atoms to form positively charged Na+ ions and negatively charged NaClO3 ions.