What is Sodium Chlorite?
Sodium Chlorite (NaClO2) is a chemical compound used primarily in the disinfection of water system aiding in the prevention of Legionella and other water bourne bacterium. It is also widely used in the manufacturing of paper and as a disinfectant.
Sodium Chlorite (NaClO2) appears as a white crystalline solid. It is difficult to burn, but accelerates the burning of organic substances. It forms explosive mixtures when mixed with certain combustible materials, it may also explode under prolonged exposure to heat or fire.
The main application of sodium chlorite (NaClO2) is in the disinfection of water systems after conversion to chlorine dioxide. An advantage of this application over chlorine (Cl)is that trialomethanes (such as chloroform (CHCl3)) are not produced. Sodium chlorite (NaClO2) is also us for the stripping of textiles, pulp and paper after conversion to chlorine dioxide (ClO2).
Sodium chlorite (NaClO2) can also can also be combined with zinc chloride and then used as a component in therapeutic rinses, toothpastes, mouthwashes and as a preservative in eye drops.