Sodium Bromate: Chemical Properties and Synthesis
Sodium bromate is a strong oxidizing agent that is primarily used in the production of various chemicals and materials. It is a white crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water and has a molecular formula of NaBrO3.
While it is a useful chemical, it is crucial to understand its chemical properties, classification, and synthesis.
Chemical Properties of Sodium Bromate
Sodium bromate is a strong oxidizing agent that releases oxygen when heated. As a result, it is highly reactive and can cause an explosion or fire when exposed to heat or other combustible materials.
Therefore, it is essential to handle sodium bromate with extreme caution.
Identification and Classification
Sodium bromate is a highly regulated chemical that has several identification and classification methods. Some of the primary identification keywords include CAS number, PubChem CID, ChemSpider ID, UN number, EC number, RTECS number, UNII, ICSC number, and InChI Key.
These identification methods help to distinguish sodium bromate from other chemicals and materials.
Composition and Synthesis of Sodium Bromate
Sodium bromate is composed of two elements, bromine, and sodium. It is primarily synthesized through two methods: chemical reaction and electrolytic oxidation.
Formation through Chemical Reaction
Sodium bromate is formed through the reaction between sodium carbonate and bromine. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
Na2CO3 + 3Br2 5NaBr + NaBrO3 + 3CO2
This reaction produces sodium bromide, sodium bromate, and carbon dioxide.
The sodium bromate is then separated and purified for use in various applications.
Formation through Electrolytic Oxidation
Sodium bromate can also be synthesized through electrolytic oxidation. This process involves the use of a stainless steel plate and a mixed metal oxide-coated titanium plate as the cathode and anode, respectively.
Sodium bromide is placed in an electrolytic cell along with water. When an electric current is passed through the cell, bromine ions are oxidized at the anode to form bromine gas.
The bromine gas then reacts with the water to form hypobromous acid, which subsequently reacts with the sodium bromide to form sodium bromate.
Uses of Sodium Bromate
Sodium bromate has several industrial applications, which include:
1. Textile Industry: Sodium bromate is used in the production of synthetic dyes used for coloring textiles.
2. Chemical Industry: Sodium bromate is used as an oxidizing agent in chemical reactions.
3. Mining Industry: Sodium bromate is used in the extraction of gold from ores.
4. Dental Industry: Sodium bromate is used as a tooth whitening agent in various dental products.
Safety Measures
Sodium bromate is a highly reactive chemical that can cause significant damage if not handled correctly. Some safety measures that should be observed when handling sodium bromate include:
1.
Use protective gear such as gloves and goggles. 2.
Store sodium bromate in a dry and well-ventilated area. 3.
Avoid exposure to heat and other combustible materials. 4.
Dispose of sodium bromate according to local regulations.
Conclusion
Sodium bromate is a highly reactive chemical that is used in various applications across various industries. Proper handling and disposal of sodium bromate are crucial to avoid accidents and prevent harm to the environment.
It is essential to understand its chemical properties, identification, classification, and synthesis to ensure safe handling and enable proper application. Properties and Characteristics of Sodium Bromate: Physical Properties, Chemical Behavior, and Uses
Sodium Bromate is a colorless, odorless crystalline powder that belongs to the family of bromates.
Its molecular formula is NaBrO3, and it is the sodium salt of bromic acid. In this article, we will discuss in detail the physical and chemical properties of sodium bromate and its uses.
Physical Properties of Sodium Bromate
Sodium bromate is a white crystalline powder with a melting point of 381C and a boiling point of 1390C. Its density is 3.33 gm/cm3, and its pH value in an aqueous solution is around 7.5. Sodium bromate is highly soluble in water, and its solubility increases with an increase in temperature.
It is a stable compound in both solid and aqueous state.
Chemical Properties and Behavior of Sodium Bromate
Sodium bromate is a strong oxidizing agent and releases oxygen when heated. It reacts violently with combustible materials and is spontaneously explosive upon contact with organic materials.
Sodium bromate is used as a strong oxidizing agent in several industries. It can oxidize sulfur dyes and brighten the dye colors.
Sodium bromate also helps to dissolve gold from ores and is, therefore, used as a gold solvent. Sodium bromate is also used as a permagent in hair treatment products.
It helps to break the disulfide bonds in hair shafts, softening the fibers and allowing them to be restructured. This helps to make the hair flexible, which allows it to hold the desired hairstyle.
Sodium bromate is known for its use in boiler cleaning applications in the power industry. It helps to remove the mineral deposits and other impurities, resulting in cleaner and more efficient operation.
It is also used as a dyeing agent in the textile industry.
Uses of Sodium Bromate
1. Permagent: Sodium bromate is used as a permagent in hair treatment products.
It softens the hair fibers, making it easy to restructure. 2.
Boiler cleaning: Sodium bromate is used as a cleaning agent in the power industry to remove mineral deposits and impurities from boilers. 3.
Dyeing: Sodium bromate is used as a dyeing agent in the textile industry, where it helps to brighten the color of sulfur dyes. 4.
Gold solvents: Sodium bromate is used as a solvent for the extraction of gold from ores. Is Sodium Bromate Safe?
While sodium bromate is useful in several applications, it is important to understand the safety hazards associated with it. Sodium bromate is highly toxic and can cause health problems when exposed to humans.
Let’s discuss the health hazards associated with sodium bromate and safety measures to prevent exposure.
Health Hazards
Sodium bromate is an acute toxin, which means that it can cause illness or death upon contact. The primary routes of exposure are ingestion, inhalation, and skin/eye contact.
Inhalation of dust or vapors can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Sodium bromate can also cause skin and eye irritation, which can lead to severe damage if not treated promptly.
Furthermore, sodium bromate is known to be potentially carcinogenic.
Safety Measures and Guidelines
To prevent exposure to sodium bromate, it is essential to follow proper safety measures and guidelines. Some of the safety measures are:
1.
Always use protective clothing and equipment, such as gloves, respirators, and safety glasses. 2.
Sodium bromate should be stored in ventilated areas, away from flammable or combustible materials. 3.
Sodium bromate should be disposed of properly according to local and federal regulations. 4.
Sodium bromate should be handled in a well-ventilated area with adequate exhaust points.
Conclusion
Sodium Bromate is a crucial chemical that has useful applications in various industries. Its properties and chemical behavior make it an essential compound in processing gold, cleaning boilers, dyeing textiles, and hair treatment products.
However, it is important to handle this chemical with care and to take adequate safety measures to prevent exposure. Proper safety guidelines must be followed to ensure safe handling and disposal of this chemical.
Sodium bromate is a highly useful but reactive chemical compound that is essential in a variety of industrial applications, such as gold extraction, boiler cleaning, and hair treatments. While sodium bromate is an efficient substance, it is essential to handle it with care due to its highly toxic nature.
Proper safety measures and guidelines should be followed to prevent exposure and subsequent health hazards. Sodium bromate’s physical and chemical properties and uses must be known and understood to ensure proper handling and adequate disposal.
FAQs:
1. What are the physical properties of sodium bromate?
Sodium bromate is a colorless, odorless crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water and has a melting point of 381C and a boiling point of 1390C. 2.
What are the chemical properties and behaviors of sodium bromate? Sodium bromate is a strong oxidizing agent that reacts violently with combustible materials.
It is used as a brightening agent for sulfur dyes, a gold solvent, and a permagent in hair treatment products, among other uses. 3.
Is sodium bromate safe to use? No, sodium bromate is a highly toxic compound that can cause illness or even death when exposed to humans.
The primary routes of exposure are ingestion, inhalation, and skin/eye contact, and caution must be taken when handling it. 4.
What safety measures should be taken when handling sodium bromate? To prevent exposure to sodium bromate, protective clothing and equipment should be used, and the chemical should be stored in ventilated areas away from flammable or combustible materials.
Proper disposal measures must be taken to ensure public safety. 5.
What are the applications of sodium bromate in different industries? Sodium bromate is used in several industries, including the textile industry for dyeing and the power industry for cleaning boilers.
It is also used as a permagent in hair treatment products and as a solvent for gold extraction.