What is Sodium Hypochlorite?

The Sodium hypochlorite is a liquid breach and the powerful oxidizing agent that is widely used as the disinfectant or bleaching agent too. The chemical formula for the compound could be given as NaClO with a molecular weight of 74.44 g/mol.

Sodium Hypochlorite Structure

The chemical structure is also given as shown below –

Sodium Hypochlorite Chemical Formula

This is an ionic compound composed of sodium metal cation and the hypochlorite anions. For the industrial purpose, it can be prepared by Hooker process where diluted NaOH reacts in the presence of chlorine gas to form the final compound that is NaClO.

2 NaOH + Cl2 → NaClO + NaCl + H2O

If you wanted to use the compound in the pure state then it can be used as the unstable green solid having a light green color and a density of 1.11 g/mL. the compound has a melting point 18 degree Celsius and a melting point of 101 degree Celsius. This is commonly available as an aqueous solution with pale yellow or pale green color.

Sodium Hypochlorite Properties

The aqueous Sodium hypochlorite is available in a variety of concentrations and you could pick any of them as per your industry needs. The range of concentration for the compound could be between one percent to 25 percent.

This is a good oxidizing agent and combines with protic acids quickly while releasing toxic chlorine gas. It can be used as a bleaching agent, disinfectant, or many other households or industrial purposes. It can be used as deodorant too for keeping your home full of fragrance and pleasant odor.