Sodium Hypochlorite
Sodium hypochlorite is an alkaline inorganic chemical compound with the formula NaOCl. It is commonly known in a dilute aqueous solution as bleach or chlorine bleach. It is the sodium salt of hypochlorous acid, consisting of sodium cations and hypochlorite anions.
Sodium Hypochlorite is a clear, slightly yellow or green liquid with a strong Chlorine odor. It is usually mixed in water and used as a household cleaner, a disinfectant, and a bleaching agent. It is also used in water treatment and purification.
Household bleach usually contains approximately 5% sodium hypochlorite although some may contain up to 10%. It is found in low concentrations (2%) in some commercially available sterilising fluids used to disinfect baby feeding equipment.
It is not safe for colored fabrics.
Additional information
| CAS | 7681-52-9 |
|---|---|
| Functions | BLEACHING, OXIDIZING, disinfecting, stain-removing, Deodorizing |
| Formula | NaClO |
| Molar Mass | 74.442 g/mol |
| Application | household cleaners and laundry additives |
| Restriction | Dilute sodium hypochlorite solutions (as in household bleach) are irritating to mainly the skin and respiratory tract. Short-term skin contact with household bleach may cause dryness of the skin. Solutions burn the skin and cause eye damage, especially when used in concentrated forms. |
| Trade names | Sodium Hypochlorite |