A method of producing chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is described which employs
Urea as a reducing agent to reduce alkaline chlorate (NaClO3 or KClO3)
in a mineral acid medium. The method of the invention can, for example, by means
of a very high transfer rate, be used to reduce over 90% of the reactant, alkaline
chlorate, to the product, chlorine dioxide. Furthermore, ClO2 product
purity is accomplished, for example, over 95%. The mother solution of the reaction
can then be processed, for example, to produce other useful inorganic salts, including
potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrate, and the like, and/or compound
fertilizer resulting in useful chemical products rather than toxic waste. Accordingly,
the method of the invention provides for efficient, cost effective, and safe production
of ClO2 as well as inorganic salts and/or compound fertilizer.
