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Sodium chlorate

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Identification
Molecular formula
NaClO3
CAS number
7775-09-9
IUPAC name
sodium;chlorate
State
State

Sodium chlorate is typically found as a solid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
248.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
521.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
300.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
573.00
General information
Molecular weight
106.44g/mol
Molar mass
106.4410g/mol
Density
2.4900g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium chlorate appears as a white crystalline solid. It is usually found in a granular or powdered form.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Chlorate (NaClO3)

Sodium chlorate, with the chemical formula NaClO3, is highly soluble in water. This characteristic stems from several key factors:

  • Ionic Nature: As an ionic compound, sodium chlorate dissociates completely in aqueous solutions, resulting in free ions. This process enhances its solubility.
  • Positive Interaction: The sodium ions (Na+) and chlorate ions (ClO3−) interact favorably with water molecules, facilitating dissolution.
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility of sodium chlorate increases with temperature, meaning that warmer water can dissolve more of the compound than cooler water.

In general, sodium chlorate is considered to be:

  • Highly soluble: Soluble in water, with solubility levels up to 30 g per 100 mL at room temperature.
  • Insoluble in organic solvents: This compound displays low solubility in common organic solvents, making it primarily a water-soluble salt.

Due to its high solubility, sodium chlorate is commonly used in various industrial applications, and it’s essential to handle it properly due to its reactive nature in concentrated solutions. As the scientific community often states, “Understanding solubility is crucial for safe handling and effective application.”

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium Chlorate

Sodium chlorate is a fascinating chemical compound with diverse applications and unique properties. Here are some key aspects that highlight its significance:

  • Chemical Composition: Sodium chlorate consists of sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), and oxygen (O), and is commonly used in various industrial processes.
  • Primary Uses: This compound is primarily utilized as a herbicide, defoliant, and in the production of chlorine dioxide for bleaching processes. Its effectiveness is attributed to its ability to release oxygen and chlorine when decomposed.
  • Oxidizing Agent: Sodium chlorate acts as a powerful oxidizing agent. This property makes it valuable in the synthesis of other chemicals and in laboratory settings for redox reactions.
  • Safety Considerations: While sodium chlorate is useful, it must be handled with care due to its oxidizing nature, which can lead to reactive hazards when in contact with combustible materials.
  • Environmental Impact: The use of sodium chlorate raises environmental concerns. It is important to understand its behavior in soil and water systems, particularly regarding its potential impact on aquatic life.

As with many chemical compounds, understanding sodium chlorate is essential not only for its practical applications but also for the implications it has on health and the environment. Its balance of utility and caution serves as a valuable lesson in the field of chemistry.