On the Mechanism of Sodium Chlorate Formation

Sodium chlorate is formed from the chemical combination of and ions. It is reported to be a third‐order reaction involving 2 moles of and 1 mole of . Contrasting literature data depict this reaction as bimolecular, involving 2 moles of only. Experimental results presented here clearly resolve the formation reaction to be apparent third order. Dichromate, added in concentrations of 2–5 g/l during brine electrolysis to achieve high current efficiency, fulfills two key functions: ( i ) enhancement of buffer action in the p H region of 5–7; and ( ii ) prevention of adverse and electrochemical reduction reactions. Experimental evidence is presented elucidating the above observations.