Sodium bromate, also called sodium salt of bromic acid, is an inorganic compound of sodium, bromine, and oxygen represented by the chemical formula NaBrO₃ ^[1]. It is a strong oxidizing agent that may explode through prolonged exposure to fire or heat ^[1].

Sodium Bromate Identification
CAS Number	7789-38-0 [1]
PubChem CID	23668195 [1]
ChemSpider ID	23009 [2]
UN Number	1494 [1]
EC Number	232-160-4 [1]
RTECS Number	EF8750000 [1]
UNII	U54JK64530 [1]
ICSC Number	0196 [1]
InChI Key	XUXNAKZDHHEHPC-UHFFFAOYSA-M [1]

Sodium Bromate Composition and Synthesis

When bromine reacts with a concentrated, heated solution of sodium carbonate, it produces sodium bromate, sodium bromide, and carbon dioxide as the products ^[3].

3Br₂ + 3Na₂CO₃ → 5NaBr + NaBrO₃ + 3CO₂

Sodium bromate is formed through electrolytic oxidation of sodium bromide in which stainless steel plate works as the cathode and mixed metal oxide coated titanium plate acts as the anode ^[1].

NaBr + 3H₂O → NaBrO₃ + 3H₂

Properties and Characteristics of Sodium Bromate

General Properties
Molar Mass/Molecular Weight	150.891 g/mol [1]
Physical Properties
Color and Appearance	Colorless to white crystals, dry powder [1]
Odor	Odorless [1]
Melting Point	381 °C, 717.8 °F (decomposes with evolution of oxygen) [1]
Boiling Point	1390 °C, 2530 °F [1]
Density	3.34 g cm-3 [1]
pH	5.0-9.0 at 25 °C [4]
State of matter at room temperature	Solid [1]
Solubility	Soluble in ammonia and insoluble in ethanol [1]
Solubility in Water	27.5 g/100 g at 0 °C 36.4 g/100 g at 20 °C 48.8 g/100 g at 40 °C 62.6 g/100 g at 60 °C 75.8 g/100 g at 80 °C 90.8 g/100 g at 100 °C [1]
Magnetic Susceptibility (χ)	-44.2 X 10-6 cm3/mol
Atomic Properties
Crystal Structure	Cubic

Uses

• As a permagent in hair treatment formulations ^[1].
• Boiler cleaning and dyeing applications that involve oxidation of sulfur dyes ^[1].
• Combined with sodium bromide as a gold solvent in mines ^[1].

Is It Safe

Sodium bromate is known to cause acute toxicity by ingestion, inhalation, and through contact with skin and eyes ^[1]. It causes serious skin irritation, eye damage, and may result in respiratory tract irritation ^[1]. Being a carcinogen, it may cause chromosomal abnormalities and genetic defects ^[1].

References
1. Sodium Bromate – Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2. Sodium Bromate – Chemspider.com
3. Bromine React With Sodium Carbonate – Chemiday.com
4. Sodium Bromate – Sigmaaldrich.com