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Chemical Datasheet

SODIUM CHLORITE

5.1 - Oxidizer

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 7758-19-2
  • 1496
  • Oxidizer
none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
none
  • SODIUM CHLORITE
NFPA 704
Diamond Hazard Value Description
0
1 1
ox
Blue Health 1 Can cause significant irritation.
Red Flammability 0 Will not burn under typical fire conditions.
Yellow Instability 1 Normally stable but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.
White Special OX Possesses oxidizing properties.
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
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
Air & Water Reactions
Soluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Excerpt from 143 Polymerizable warning [Oxidizers (Unstable)]:

May explode from friction, heat or contamination. These substances will accelerate burning when involved in a fire. May ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Some will react explosively with hydrocarbons (fuels). Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. (ERG, 2020)
Health Hazard
Excerpt from 143 Polymerizable warning [Oxidizers (Unstable)]:

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 environmental contamination. (ERG, 2020)
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(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents

Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from 143 Polymerizable warning [Oxidizers (Unstable)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from 143 Polymerizable warning [Oxidizers (Unstable)]:

SMALL FIRE: Use water. Do not use dry chemicals or foams. CO2 or Halon® may provide limited control.

LARGE FIRE: Flood fire area with water from a distance. Do not move cargo or vehicle if cargo has been exposed to heat. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Do not get water inside containers: a violent reaction may occur.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from 143 Polymerizable warning [Oxidizers (Unstable)]:

Keep combustibles (wood, paper, oil, etc.) away from spilled material. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.

SMALL SPILL: Flush area with large amounts of water.

LARGE SPILL: DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from ERG Guide 143 [Oxidizers (Unstable)]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2020)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
Excerpt from 143 Polymerizable warning [Oxidizers (Unstable)]:

Call 911 or emergency medical service. Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. Contaminated clothing may be a fire risk when dry. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Keep victim calm and warm. (ERG, 2020)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • NaClO2
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): data unavailable
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): data unavailable
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point: data unavailable
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: data unavailable
Boiling Point: data unavailable
Molecular Weight: data unavailable
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Sodium chlorite (7758-19-2) 0.19 mg/m3 2.1 mg/m3 13 mg/m3
(DOE, 2018)

Regulatory Information

EPA Consolidated List of Lists

No regulatory information available.

CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)

No regulatory information available.

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names