Sodium bromate (NaBrO3) is an inorganic compound composed of sodium ions and bromate ions. It is a white or yellowish crystalline solid that is soluble in water and exhibits strong oxidizing properties in solution. Sodium bromate is mainly used in industry as an oxidizing agent, for example in the dye industry for the oxidation of certain organic matter, and in some match and pyrotechnic manufacturing.

Sodium bromate is a multi-purpose chemical with a wide range of uses shown as below:

1. Oxidizing agent: Sodium bromate is a strong oxidizing agent, so it is used in the dye industry to oxidize certain organic substances to make the color more vivid and long-lasting. It is also used in bleach and disinfectants, as well as as an oxidizing agent in the manufacture of some matches and pyrotechnics.

2. Water treatment: Sodium bromate is used in the water treatment industry as a disinfectant and oxidant to remove or oxidize organic matter and microorganisms in water.

3. Copper circuit board fabrication: In the electronics industry, sodium bromate is used in the etching process of making printed circuit boards (PCBs) as an oxidizing agent for copper.

4. Organic synthesis: In chemical laboratories, sodium bromate is used as an oxidant in organic synthesis, especially in reactions that require the oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes or ketones.

5. Analytical Chemistry: Sodium bromate is used as a titration reagent in analytical chemistry to determine the concentration of certain substances.

6. Fire extinguishing agent: In some special cases, sodium bromate can be used as part of a dry powder fire extinguishing agent for fire extinguishing systems.

7. Photo Processing: In the field of photography, sodium bromate was used in the fixing and bleaching process of black and white photographs.