Sodium chlorate (Sodium chlorate) is an important inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaClO₃. Its appearance is usually white or slightly yellow isometric crystals, with a salty and cool taste. It has unique physical and chemical properties. This substance is easily soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol. It exhibits strong oxidizing properties in acidic solutions and decomposes to produce oxygen above 300°C. Due to its unstable chemical properties, when mixed with phosphorus, sulfur, and organic substances, it is prone to combustion and explosion upon impact. It also has the characteristic of absorbing moisture and caking. For these reasons, sodium chlorate is listed in the “List of Explosive Hazardous Chemicals” and is strictly regulated in accordance with the “Administrative Measures for the Public Security Management of Explosive Hazardous Chemicals”.
Industrial manufacturing, agriculture, medicine, printing and dyeing, etc.
Safety Description
S13; S17; S46; S61
Hazard Symbol
Xn
Hazard Description
R9; R22; R51/53
UN Dangerous Goods Number
1495
Control Category
Explosive precursor
II. Detailed Explanation of Physical and Chemical Properties
(I) Physical Properties
Property
Value
Density
2.49g/cm³
Melting Point
248 – 261°C
Boiling Point
300°C
Appearance
White or slightly yellow crystals
Solubility
Easily soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, soluble in liquid ammonia and glycerol
(II) Chemical Properties
Under normal pressure, sodium chlorate decomposes and releases oxygen when heated above 300°C. In neutral or weakly alkaline solutions, its oxidizing ability is relatively low. However, in acidic solutions or in the presence of inducing oxidants and catalysts (such as copper sulfate), it turns into a strong oxidant. When it reacts with acids (such as sulfuric acid), it releases chlorine dioxide and shows strong oxidizing properties. In addition, when mixed with sulfur, phosphorus, and organic substances or upon impact, it is highly likely to cause combustion and explosion. It is also prone to deliquescence.
III. Computational Chemical Data
Item
Value
Reference Value of Hydrophobic Parameter Calculation (XlogP)
None
Number of Hydrogen Bond Donors
0
Number of Hydrogen Bond Acceptors
3
Number of Rotatable Chemical Bonds
0
Number of Tautomers
None
Topological Molecular Polar Surface Area (TPSA)
57.2
Number of Heavy Atoms
5
Surface Charge
0
Complexity
49.8
Number of Isotope Atoms
0
Number of Determined Atomic Stereocenters
0
Number of Undetermined Atomic Stereocenters
0
Number of Determined Bond Stereocenters
0
Number of Undetermined Bond Stereocenters
0
Number of Covalent Bond Units
2
IV. Wide Range of Application Fields
Industrial Manufacturing: In the printing and dyeing industry and inorganic industry, sodium chlorate serves as a mordant and oxidant. It is also an important raw material for manufacturing chlorine dioxide, sodium chlorite, and perchlorates.
Agricultural Field: It is used as a herbicide in agricultural production to control the growth of weeds and ensure the healthy growth of crops.
Pharmaceutical and Pigment Industries: The pharmaceutical industry uses sodium chlorate to manufacture medicinal zinc oxide and dimercaptosuccinic acid sodium. The pigment industry uses it to manufacture high-grade zinc oxide and Hualan.
Other Uses: In the processes of papermaking, tanning, and ore processing, sodium chlorate acts as a bleaching agent. It is also used in the extraction of bromine from seawater, the manufacture of printing inks and explosives, the detection of silica, as a nutrient, and as an adhesive.
Sex chromosome loss and non-disjunction: Drosophila melanogaster 250mmol/L.
DNA inhibition: Rat oral 84mg/kg (12 weeks) (continuous)
VI. Emergency Treatment Measures
(I) Leakage Emergency Treatment
Isolation and Control: Quickly isolate the leakage contaminated area and strictly restrict the access of personnel and vehicles.
Personnel Protection and Operation: It is recommended that emergency treatment personnel wear self-contained breathing apparatus and general work clothes. Do not directly contact the leaked substance to prevent it from contacting organic substances, reducing agents, and flammable substances.
Treatment of Leaked Substance: For small amounts of leakage, avoid raising dust and collect the leaked substance into dry, clean, and covered containers using a clean shovel. For large amounts of leakage, collect and recycle the leaked substance or transport it to a professional waste treatment site for proper disposal.
(II) Protection Measures
Protection Part
Specific Measure
Respiratory System
When there is a possibility of contact with its dust, it is recommended to wear a self-priming filter dust mask
Eyes
Wear chemical safety goggles
Body
Wear polyethylene anti-virus clothing
Hands
Wear rubber gloves
Others
Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited at the work site. After work, take a shower and change clothes to maintain good hygiene habits
(III) First Aid Measures
Skin Contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing and thoroughly rinse with plenty of water.
Eye Contact: Lift the eyelids, rinse with flowing water or normal saline, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Inhalation: Quickly transfer the patient to an area with fresh air, keep the respiratory tract unobstructed. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. If breathing stops, perform artificial respiration immediately and send the patient to the hospital for treatment.
Ingestion: In case of accidental ingestion and poisoning, immediately induce vomiting, wash the stomach, and conduct catharsis. Give milk, egg white, etc. to protect the gastric mucosa and seek medical attention promptly.
VII. Storage and Transportation Specifications
Sodium chlorate should be stored in a dry and well-ventilated warehouse, away from fire sources and heat sources. The warehouse temperature should not exceed 30°C, and the relative humidity should be kept below 80%. When storing, it should be separated from flammable (combustible) substances, reducing agents, acids, alcohols, etc. and should not be stored together. During the handling process, it should be handled with care to prevent damage to the packaging and containers. During transportation, it should strictly follow the specified routes and should not stop in residential areas and densely populated areas.
VIII. Safety Information
(I) Safety Terms
S13: Keep away from food, drink and animal feeding stuffs.
S17: Keep away from combustible material.
S46: If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label.
S61: Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions/Safety data sheets.
(II) Risk Terms
R9: Explosive when mixed with combustible material.
R22: Harmful if swallowed.
R51/53: Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
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