Sodium bromite is an inorganic compound with the formula NaBrO₂. It is a strong oxidizing agent, typically encountered as a yellow crystalline solid or in aqueous solution. Its solutions are alkaline and relatively unstable, decomposing to sodium bromide and sodium bromate. The primary industrial application of sodium bromite is in the textile industry as a key component in the "cold pad-batch" bleaching process for cotton and other cellulosic fibers. It serves as a highly effective bleaching agent, offering advantages such as lower energy consumption (operating at room temperature) and reduced fiber damage compared to traditional hot peroxide bleaching. It is also used in water treatment as a disinfectant and biocide, leveraging its oxidizing power to control microbial growth. Due to its strong oxidizing properties, sodium bromite is also utilized in selective organic synthesis reactions. It must be handled with care as it is corrosive and can cause severe skin and eye burns. Proper storage conditions are required to maintain its stability.