sodium chlorite

Sodium chlorite (NaClO₂) is an inorganic compound primarily used as an industrial chemical for the generation of chlorine dioxide, which serves as a bleaching and disinfecting agent in the paper and textile industries. It is also widely used for water purification and disinfection in municipal water treatment plants after conversion to chlorine dioxide. In consumer products, it appears as a preservative or antimicrobial agent in mouthwashes, toothpastes, gels, eye drops (notably under the trade name Purite), and contact lens cleaning solutions. Sodium chlorite acts as a strong oxidizer; when acidified or mixed with certain reactants it forms chlorine dioxide—a potent microbicidal compound responsible for its disinfectant properties. While sometimes promoted under names like "Miracle Mineral Solution" for unapproved medical uses, ingestion of sodium chlorite is dangerous and not approved by regulatory agencies such as the FDA due to significant toxicity risks[1][3][4][5][7][9].

Brand names

Purite

Other names

chlorous acid sodium saltMiracle Mineral SolutiontextoneDAC N-055