Sodium Hypochlorite

About Sodium Hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical compound with the formula NaOCl. It is a pale greenish-yellow liquid with a characteristic chlorine-like odor and is commonly used as a disinfectant, bleaching agent, and water treatment chemical.

Key Properties

• Chemical Formula: NaOCl
• Molecular Weight: 74.44 g/mol
• Appearance: Clear to pale yellow-green liquid
• Odor: Strong chlorine smell
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water
• Nature: Strong oxidizing agent

Uses

1. Water Treatment
   • Disinfection of drinking water and wastewater.
   • Controls bacteria, viruses, and algae.
2. Household Bleach
   • Main active ingredient in liquid bleach.
   • Used for whitening clothes and removing stains.
3. Surface Disinfection
   • Sanitizes hospitals, laboratories, food-processing facilities, and public areas.
4. Industrial Applications
   • Textile bleaching.
   • Paper and pulp processing.
   • Chemical manufacturing.

Advantages

• Effective against a wide range of microorganisms.
• Easy to apply and relatively inexpensive.
• Leaves a residual disinfecting effect in water systems.

Safety Precautions

• Can cause skin and eye irritation.
• Should not be mixed with acids or ammonia, as toxic chlorine gas may be released.
• Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat.
• Use appropriate protective equipment when handling concentrated solutions.

Chemical Reaction in Water

When dissolved in water, sodium hypochlorite forms hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the primary disinfecting agent: