Chlorite (ClO2−), a halite

A halite, also known as a halogenite,[1] is an oxyanion containing a halogen in a III oxidation state. It is the conjugate base of a halous acid. The known halites are chlorite, bromite, and iodite.

Uses

Halites can be used to generate the respective halogen dioxides via a one-electron oxidation:

5 NaClO2 + 4 HCl → 5 NaCl + 4 ClO•
2 + 2 H2O
BrO−
2 + HBrO3 + H+ → 2 BrO•
2 + H2O

This reaction in particular is used in bleach to generate chlorine dioxide.

Stability

Chlorites tend to decompose rapidly, some even explosively, upon heating.[2] A few bromites have been isolated, but no iodites have.[3]

References

  1. ^ Holleman, A. F.; Wiberg, Egon; Wiberg, Nils (2001). Inorganic Chemistry. Web: Academic Press. p. 439. ISBN 9780123526519. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  2. ^ Holleman, A. F.; Wiberg, Egon; Wiberg, Nils (2001). Inorganic Chemistry. Web: Academic Press. p. 445. ISBN 9780123526519. Retrieved 21 March 2019.
  3. ^ Egon Wiberg, Arnold Frederick Holleman (2001) Inorganic Chemistry, Elsevier ISBN 0-12-352651-5


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