Sodium Chloride vs. Sodium Chlorite

Attribute	Sodium Chloride	Sodium Chlorite
Chemical Formula	NaCl	NaClO2
Common Name	Table Salt	Sodium Chlorite
Appearance	White crystalline solid	White to yellowish-green solid
Uses	Seasoning, food preservation, de-icing roads	Disinfectant, bleaching agent, water treatment
Toxicity	Relatively low toxicity	Can be toxic if ingested in large amounts

Sodium chloride and sodium chlorite are two different chemical compounds that contain sodium and chlorine. While they may sound similar, they have distinct properties and uses. In this article, we will compare the attributes of sodium chloride and sodium chlorite to understand their differences.

Chemical Composition

Sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt, has a chemical formula NaCl. It is composed of sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl-). Sodium chloride is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. On the other hand, sodium chlorite has a chemical formula NaClO2. It consists of sodium ions (Na+) and chlorite ions (ClO2-). Sodium chlorite is also a white crystalline solid but is less soluble in water compared to sodium chloride.

Uses

Sodium chloride is widely used as a seasoning and preservative in food. It is also used in various industrial processes such as water treatment, chemical production, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, sodium chloride is used in the production of chlorine and sodium hydroxide through the electrolysis process. On the other hand, sodium chlorite is primarily used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. It is commonly used in the production of chlorine dioxide, which is a powerful oxidizing agent used in water treatment and pulp bleaching.

Physical Properties

Sodium chloride has a high melting point of 801°C and a boiling point of 1465°C. It is a crystalline solid with a characteristic salty taste. Sodium chloride is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. In contrast, sodium chlorite has a lower melting point of 225°C and a boiling point of 300°C. It is also a crystalline solid but has a slightly sweet taste. Sodium chlorite is stable at room temperature but can decompose when heated, releasing toxic chlorine dioxide gas.

Toxicity

Sodium chloride is essential for human health and is consumed in moderate amounts in the diet. However, excessive intake of sodium chloride can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. In contrast, sodium chlorite is highly toxic and should not be ingested. Ingesting sodium chlorite can cause severe health effects, including nausea, vomiting, and even death. Therefore, sodium chlorite should be handled with caution and used only for its intended purposes.

Environmental Impact

Sodium chloride is a naturally occurring compound that is abundant in seawater and rock salt deposits. It is considered relatively safe for the environment and is widely used in various industries. However, excessive use of sodium chloride in water treatment can lead to salinization of freshwater bodies, affecting aquatic ecosystems. On the other hand, sodium chlorite is considered an environmental hazard due to its toxicity and potential to release chlorine dioxide gas. Proper disposal of sodium chlorite is essential to prevent harm to the environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sodium chloride and sodium chlorite are two distinct chemical compounds with different properties and uses. Sodium chloride is commonly used as a seasoning and preservative in food, while sodium chlorite is used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. It is important to understand the differences between these two compounds to ensure their safe and proper use in various applications.