Sodium chlorate

CAS 7775-09-9ClNaO3106.44 g/mol

Sodium chlorate is an inorganic sodium salt that has chlorate as the counter-ion. An oxidising agent, it is used for bleaching paper and as a herbicide. It is also used in the manufacture of dyes, explosives and matches. It has a role as a herbicide. It is a chlorate salt and an inorganic sodium salt.

IUPAC: sodium chlorate

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Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical and chemical properties
Melting Point	478 °F (USCG, 1999)
Density	2.49 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility	100 g/100 g water at 25 °C; slightly soluble in ethanol
Vapor Pressure	Negligible at room temperature
pH	Aqueous solution is neutral
Appearance	Sodium chlorate appears as an odorless pale yellow to white crystalline solid. It is appreciably soluble in water and heavier, so may be expected to sink and dissolve at a rapid rate. Although it is not itself flammable, the solid product and even 30% solutions in water are powerful oxidizing agents. Contact with wood, organic matter, ammonium salts, sulfur, sulfuric acid, various metals, and other chemicals may result in fires or explosions, particularly if any solid materials are finely divided. Excessive heat, as in fires, may cause evolution of oxygen gas that may increase the intensity of fires and may also result in explosions. Mixtures with combustible materials are very flammable and may be ignited by friction. It is used for making herbicides, explosives, dyes, matches, inks, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, defoliants, paper, and leather.

Data: PubChem · Last updated: 4/20/2026