A white
crystalline solid.
Difficult to
burn, but accelerates the burning of organic substances. Forms
explosive mixtures with certain combustible materials. May explode
under prolonged exposure to heat or fire. Used in water purification,
to bleach wood pulp, textile, fats, oils; and for many other uses.
HAZARDS
Reactivity
Alerts: Explosive,
Strong Oxidizer
Air
& Water Reactions Soluble
in water.
Fire
Hazard May explode from
friction, heat or
contamination. Will accelerate burning when involved
in a fire. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
Can react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels). Containers may
explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. (ERG,
2008)
Health
Hazard
*TOXIC*
Inhalation, ingestion or
contact
(skin, eyes) with vapors, dusts or substance may cause severe injury,
burns or death. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. Toxic
fumes or dust may accumulate in confined areas (basement, tanks,
hopper/tank cars, etc.). Runoff from fire control or dilution water may
cause pollution. (ERG, 2008)
Reactivity
Profile SODIUM CHLORITE is
self-reactive. The
trihydrate crystals of sodium chlorite explode on percussion. Sodium
chlorite reacts with acids to form spontaneously explosive chlorine
dioxide gas (ClO2). If heated above 347°F, the reaction yields
enough
heat to become self-sustaining, [Mellor 2 Supp. 1:573 1956]. Ammonia
with chlorites produces ammonium chlorite, which is a shock-sensitive
compound. Finely divided metallic or organic substances, if mixed with
chlorites, are highly flammable and may be ignited on friction [Lab.
Gov. Chemist 1965]. A mixture of organic matter and sodium chlorite can
be extremely sensitive to heat, impact, or friction (Diox Process
1949). Sodium chlorite reacts very violently with organic materials
containing divalent sulfur or with free sulfur (may ignite).
Belongs
to the Following Reactive Group
Inorganic
Oxidizing Agents
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