Sodium Chlorite

Sodium Chlorite (NaClO₂) is a white crystalline solid. Difficult to burn, but accelerates the burning of organic substances. Forms explosive mixtures with certain combustible materials. May explode under prolonged exposure to heat or fire.

Uses :
Used in water purification, to bleach wood pulp, textile, fats, oils; and for many other uses. The main application of sodium chlorite is the generation, bleaching and stripping of textiles, pulp, and paper.  It is also used for disinfection of municipal water treatment plants after conversion to chlorine dioxide.  An advantage in this application, as compared to the more commonly used chlorine, is that are not produced from organic contaminants.