Sodium chlorate, NaClO3, is an inorganic compound that is often used as a herbicide, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant. When heated, sodium chlorate decomposes to form sodium chloride, oxygen gas, and other products. The exact equation for the decomposition of sodium chlorate depends on the conditions under which it is heated.
At high temperatures, sodium chlorate decomposes according to the following equation:
2 NaClO3 -> 2 NaCl + 3 O2
This equation shows that for every two molecules of sodium chlorate that decompose, two molecules of sodium chloride and three molecules of oxygen gas are produced. The oxygen gas is often used in welding and other industrial processes, as it can help to increase the temperature and intensity of a flame.
At lower temperatures, the decomposition of sodium chlorate is less complete, and other products may be formed. For example, at temperatures between 400 and 600 degrees Celsius, sodium chlorate may decompose to form sodium chloride, oxygen gas, and sodium perchlorate, according to the following equation:
NaClO3 -> NaCl + O2 + NaClO4
Sodium perchlorate is a highly reactive compound that is used as a powerful oxidizing agent in a variety of industrial and scientific applications.
In conclusion, when heated, sodium chlorate decomposes to form sodium chloride, oxygen gas, and possibly other products, depending on the conditions under which it is heated. The decomposition of sodium chlorate is an exothermic reaction, meaning that it releases heat as it occurs. This can be useful in certain industrial processes, but it also means that care must be taken when handling sodium chlorate, as it can ignite or explode if not handled properly.
