Sodium chlorate

Sodium chlorate (chemical formula: NAClO3) is an inorganic compound, appearing as white crystalline powder. It has an annual yield of several hundred million tons around the world. It has many applications. Its major commercial application is for the manufacture of chlorine dioxide which is used in bleaching of pulp. Sodium chlorate can also be used for the industrial manufacture of perchlorate compounds through electrolysis. It can also be used as a non-selective herbicide to control many kinds of plants such as morning glory, Canada thistle, Johnson grass and bamboo. In addition, it can also be used as a defoliant and desiccant. It is also used for the generation of chemical oxygen which is important for emergency oxygen generation in commercial aircraft. In industry, sodium chlorate is manufactured by the electrolysis of a hot sodium chloride solution. It is also useful for making inks, cosmetics, paper and leather.