Sodium Chlorite (NaClO2) CAS 7758-19-2

What Sodium Chlorite Is

Sodium chlorite is the sodium salt of chlorous acid (HClO2), sold as white to off-white crystalline powder or flakes with a slight chlorine-like odor, and as a pale yellow green, alkaline aqueous solution. The solid dissolves freely in water and decomposes on strong heating around 180 to 200 °C. It is a strong oxidizer, and contact with acid converts it to chlorine dioxide gas, the active biocide and bleaching species, so generators mix sodium chlorite with an acid on site rather than storing ClO2. Solid technical material is stabilized with inert salts for safe handling, and liquid grades are kept alkaline for shelf stability. UATChem supplies industrial solid and liquid sodium chlorite, with concentration and form confirmed on the COA, and the oxidizer classification and transport data stated on the SDS.

Water Treatment, Bleaching and Disinfection Use

• Water treatment. Acid activated to ClO2 for drinking water, municipal and industrial cooling water and wastewater disinfection, odor and algae control, and iron and manganese oxidation.
• Pulp and textile bleaching. Chlorine dioxide bleaching of pulp (ECF sequences) and textiles gives high brightness with limited fiber damage and less adsorbable organic halide.
• Food and surface disinfection. CIP and food-contact surface, pipeline and space disinfection in food plants, plus aquaculture and greenhouse sanitation where ClO2 is permitted.
• Other industrial uses. Bleaching of fats, oils and waxes and selected oxidation processes that call for a controlled chlorine dioxide source.

Typical Specifications

Solid and liquid grades differ in concentration and stabilizer salts, and water-treatment or food-contact grades carry the relevant documentation; exact concentration is reported on the COA for each lot, and the physical constants below identify the material.

Packaging, Documents and Ordering

• Solid sodium chlorite is packed in 25 kg bags, 50 kg drums and bulk bags, and the solution in drums, IBCs or tankers. Packs stay sealed, dry, cool and ventilated, well separated from acids, reducers, organic and combustible materials and ammonium salts; the liquid stays alkaline, and the two are never stored or carried with acid or flammable goods.
• As an oxidizing good (solid Class 5.1), the UN number and packing group follow the SDS for the chosen form and route. Every lot carries a COA with concentration, appearance, chlorate and alkalinity, together with TDS and SDS; water-treatment or food-contact compliance documents can be discussed at inquiry.
• For a quote, UATChem needs the form (solid powder or flakes, or solution), grade or target concentration, quantity, packing and destination port.

FAQ

Q: What is sodium chlorite used for?

A: It is an oxidizer and chlorine dioxide precursor for water treatment, pulp and textile bleaching, and food plant disinfection.

Q: How is sodium chlorite turned into chlorine dioxide?

A: Sodium chlorite is acid activated on site to release chlorine dioxide, made where used since ClO2 is not stored or shipped.

Q: How should sodium chlorite be stored and shipped?

A: The solid stays dry, cool and sealed from acids, reducers, combustibles; the solution stays alkaline, Class 5.1 per SDS.