Chlorite

This article is about the chlorine anion. For the group of minerals, see Chlorite (mineral).

Chlorite is an ion. Its chemical formula is ClO₂^–. It is an oxidizing agent. It contains chlorine in its +3 oxidation state. They can be known as salts of chlorous acid. Some chlorites are explosives. It can be made by dissolving chlorine dioxide in a base. It can also be made by reduction of chlorate with hydrogen peroxide. Sodium chlorite is the most common chlorite.

Related pages

• Hypochlorite
• Perchlorate