Sodium Bromate
CAS #:
7789-38-0
Sodium bromate is an inorganic compound known for its strong oxidizing properties. It dissolves readily in water and is stable under normal conditions, making it a useful reagent in several industrial and laboratory processes.
Sodium bromate is a high-purity inorganic oxidizing agent widely used across textile, cosmetic, mining, and chemical manufacturing sectors. It appears as white, odorless, crystalline granules and is known for its strong and reliable oxidative performance. Its stability and solubility make it suitable for controlled industrial oxidation processes.
General Info & Properties
Chemical Name: Sodium bromate
Chemical Formula: NaBrO₃
Appearance: White, crystalline, odorless solid
Melting Point: ~350 °C (decomposes at high temperature)
Applications
Textile Industry
Used in dyeing and printing processes where controlled oxidation is required. It helps develop and fix certain dyes, improving color depth and fastness.
Hair Care and Cosmetics
Historically used as an oxidizing neutralizer in permanent-wave (perm) solutions, reforming disulfide bonds in hair after reduction.
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Synthesis
Acts as an oxidizing agent and reagent for producing Bromine-containing intermediates, specialty organic compounds and certain pharmaceuticals requiring oxidative steps
Analytical Chemistry
Used as a standard oxidant in titrimetric analysis due to its predictable and stable oxidizing behavior.
Industrial Processes
Occasionally used in specialized oxidation systems, catalytic reactions, or laboratory-scale water treatment research.
Markets
Intermediates, Mining, Personal Care, Pharma
Advantages
Strong, predictable oxidizing agent: Provides consistent oxidation in chemical and industrial processes.
Good thermal and chemical stability: Easy to store and handle under controlled conditions.
High solubility in water: Makes it convenient for solution-based processes in dyes, analytics, and synthesis.
Reliable reagent in analytical chemistry: Its stability and reactivity allow it to serve as a standard oxidizing agent.
Safety & Handling
Toxic if ingested: Can cause severe health effects, including kidney damage.
Oxidizing agent: May intensify fires if in contact with combustible materials.
Skin and eye irritant: Direct contact can cause irritation or burns.
Long-term exposure risks: Bromates have been linked to carcinogenic effects in animal studies; many countries strictly regulate their use.