Description
Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is a chemical compound commonly known in a dilute aqueous solution as bleach or chlorine bleach. It is the sodium salt of hypochlorous acid, consisting of sodium cations (Na+) and hypochlorite anions (ClO−).
Chemical properties
| Property | Details |
| Product Name | Sodium Hypochlorite |
| Chemical Formula | NaOCl |
| CAS Number | 7681-52-9 |
| Molecular Weight | 74.44 g/mol |
| Chemical Type | Inorganic hypochlorite salt |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to greenish liquid (aqueous solution) |
| Odor | Strong chlorine-like odor |
| Concentration (commercial) | Typically 5–15% available chlorine |
| pH (solution) | 11.0 – 13.0 |
| Oxidizing Properties | Strong oxidizing agent |
| Reactivity | Reacts with acids to release chlorine gas |
| Stability | Decomposes slowly, accelerated by heat, light, and metals |
| Solubility | Completely miscible with water |
| Boiling Point | ~100 °C (aqueous solution, concentration dependent) |
| Melting Point | ~ –16 °C (for ~12% solution) |
| Density | ~1.20–1.25 g/mL (at 20 °C, depending on concentration) |
| Corrosivity | Corrosive to metals and tissues |
| Decomposition Products | Sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium chlorate (NaClO₃), oxygen |
| Shelf Life | Limited; decreases with time and storage conditions |
Uses
Sodium hypochlorite is a strong oxidant and a widely used disinfectant and bleaching agent. Its applications span various industries and settings:
Household: As the active ingredient in household bleach, it is used for cleaning, disinfecting surfaces, and whitening laundry.
Water Treatment: It is used for primary and residual disinfection of public water supplies to prevent waterborne diseases. It is also used to disinfect swimming pools.
Healthcare: It is used to sterilize medical equipment and as a disinfectant in healthcare facilities. Diluted solutions have been used as an antiseptic for wounds.
Food Industry: It is used to sanitize food processing equipment, utensils, and work surfaces to maintain hygiene.
Industrial: It serves as a bleaching agent in the paper and textile industries, and is used for waste disposal, to reduce odors, and to detoxify cyanide baths in metal industries.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.