Sodium chlorate is a chemical compound, with the chemical formula NaClO3. Pure sodium chlorate is white crystalline powder and soluble in water. It is hygroscopic. It decomposes above 250°C to release oxygen and sodium chloride.
The main commercial use of sodium chlorate is for making chlorine dioxide ClO2. The largest application, approx 95% of the chlorate, is in bleaching of pulp, where chlorine dioxide today is the predominant bleaching agent. The next important use is in the manufacture of perchlorates.
Process
Sodium chlorate is produced when an acid solution of sodium chloride is heated and electrolyzed.
Sodium chlorate is manufactured by the electrolytic oxidation of sodium chloride using titanium substrate anodes. Sodium chlorate is separated from the solution by evaporation, crystallization and cooling. The cost of the Projectsion is by salt and electricity which account for more than 80% of the variable manufacturing cost.