What is Sodium chlorite?
{{distinguish|Sodium chloride}} '''Sodium chlorite''' is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is NaClO<sub>2</sub>. It contains [[sodium]] and [[chlorite]] [[ion]]s. == Properties == Sodium chlorite is a colorless solid. It is a powerful [[oxidizing agent]]. It [[disproportionation|disproportionates]] sometimes. It forms the unstable [[chlorous acid]] when reacted with a strong [[acid]]. == Preparation == It is made by [[reduction (chemistry)|reducing]] [[chlorine]] dioxide in a [[base (chemistry)|basic]] solution of [[hydrogen peroxide]]. == Uses == Sodium chlorite can be used to disinfect water. Since chlorine dioxide is too reactive to store, sodium chlorite is stored and converted to chlorine dioxide before use. It is also used as a disinfectant. It can be used in [[oxidation]] reactions in [[organic chemistry]]. == Safety == It is similar to [[chlorate]]s in toxicity. Ingestion of about 10 grams would be fatal. A smaller amount could make someone very sick. == Related pages == *[[Sodium hypochlorite]] *[[Sodium chlorate]] [[Category:Sodium compounds]] [[Category:Chlorine compounds]]