Sodium chlorite is a white to pale yellow crystalline solid or flakes with formula NaClO2 and molecular weight 90.44 g/mol. Density 2.5 g/cm³, decomposes explosively above 180-200°C; highly soluble in water (390 g/L at 17°C), slightly in methanol. pH of solutions 10-11; strong oxidizer, forms trihydrate or monohydrate. Produced by reducing sodium chlorate with acids or reductants.