Potassium hypochlorite (KClO) is a chemical compound commonly used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. It has a strong odor and can be hazardous if not handled properly.
| IUPAC Name | Potassium hypochlorite |
| Molecular Formula | KClO |
| CAS Number | 7778-66-7 |
| Synonyms | Hypochlorous acid, potassium salt; Potassium oxychloride; Potassium chlorate(I) |
| InChI | InChI=1S/ClO.K/h1H;/q;+1/p-1 |
Potassium Hypochlorite Properties
Potassium Hypochlorite Formula
The chemical formula of potassium hypochlorite is KClO. It consists of one potassium ion, one chlorine atom, and one oxygen atom. Potassium hypochlorite is a white solid at room temperature and has a strong chlorine odor. It is commonly used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent in various industries.
Potassium Hypochlorite Molar Mass
The molar mass of KClO is 90.55 g/mol. This is the sum of the atomic masses of the constituent elements potassium, chlorine, and oxygen. The molar mass is an important parameter used in stoichiometry and other chemical calculations.
Potassium Hypochlorite Boiling Point
KClO decomposes before it reaches its boiling point. Therefore, it does not have a well-defined boiling point. When heated, it breaks down into potassium chloride and oxygen gas. The decomposition of KClO is an exothermic reaction and can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Potassium Hypochlorite Melting Point
The melting point of KClO is 100-102°C. It is a white solid at room temperature and melts when heated. The melting point is an important physical property of a substance and is used to identify and characterize the substance.
Potassium Hypochlorite Density g/ml
The density of KClO is 2.35 g/mL. This means that one milliliter of KClO weighs 2.35 grams. The density is a measure of the mass per unit volume of a substance and is an important parameter in chemical calculations.
Potassium Hypochlorite Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of KClO is 90.55 g/mol. This is the sum of the atomic weights of the constituent elements in a molecule of KClO. The molecular weight is used in chemical calculations such as the determination of molar mass and stoichiometry.
Potassium Hypochlorite Structure
KClO has a crystalline structure. It consists of K+ cations and ClO- anions held together by ionic bonds. The structure of KClO is similar to that of other ionic compounds and is determined by the charge and size of the constituent ions.
Potassium Hypochlorite Solubility
KClO is highly soluble in water. It forms a solution of K+ cations and ClO- anions when dissolved in water. The solubility of KClO in water is affected by temperature and pH. Higher temperatures and lower pH values increase the solubility of KClO in water.
| Appearance | White solid |
| Specific Gravity | 2.35 |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Strong chlorine odor |
| Molar Mass | 90.55 g/mol |
| Density | 2.35 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 100-102°C |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling point |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Alkaline (pH 11-13) |
Potassium Hypochlorite Safety and Hazards
KClO can be hazardous if not handled properly. It is a strong oxidizing agent and can react with organic materials to produce dangerous compounds. KClO is also a strong irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Direct contact with the skin can cause burns and irritation. Inhalation of KClO fumes can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The compound should be handled in a well-ventilated area, with appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a respirator. In case of accidental exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought.
| Hazard Symbols | Oxidizer |
| Safety Description | Wear gloves and eye/face protection. Keep away from combustible material. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. |
| UN IDs | UN1748 |
| HS Code | 2828.90.10 |
| Hazard Class | 5.1 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | May be harmful if swallowed. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. May cause respiratory irritation. |
Potassium Hypochlorite Synthesis Methods
Various methods exist for synthesizing potassium hypochlorite.
One common method is the reaction of chlorine gas with a solution of potassium hydroxide. The reaction produces KClO and potassium chloride as by-products:
Cl2 + 2 KOH → KCl + KClO + H2O
Another method involves the reaction of calcium hypochlorite with potassium chloride. This reaction produces KClO and calcium chloride as by-products:
Ca(ClO)2 + 2 KCl → 2 KClO + CaCl2
To synthesize KClO, one can react with hypochlorous acid with potassium hydroxide.
2 KOH + HOCl → KClO + KCl + H2O
To produce KClO, one can use electrolysis to pass an electric current through a solution of water and potassium chloride. The reaction produces KClO, hydrogen gas, and potassium hydroxide as by-products:
2 KCl + 2 H2O → 2 KOH + Cl2 + H2
One should store the synthesized KClO in a cool and dry location, keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat.
Potassium Hypochlorite Uses
KClO has a variety of uses in various industries and applications. Here are some of its common uses:
- Water treatment: Used as a disinfectant in water treatment plants to kill bacteria and other harmful organisms.
- Bleaching agent: Used as a bleaching agent in the textile industry to whiten fabrics.
- Sanitizer: Used as a sanitizer in the food industry to disinfect food contact surfaces and equipment.
- Pool maintenance: Used as a sanitizer and algaecide in swimming pools to keep the water clean and clear.
- Sterilization: Used for sterilization in medical and laboratory settings to disinfect equipment and surfaces.
- Deodorizer: Used as a deodorizer in sewage treatment plants to neutralize unpleasant odors.
- Pulp and paper industry: Used in the pulp and paper industry as a bleaching agent for paper products.
- Agriculture: Used in agriculture as a pesticide and fungicide to protect crops from pests and diseases.
- Disinfectant: Used as a disinfectant in household cleaning products to kill germs and bacteria.
- Oil and gas industry: Used in the oil and gas industry to treat oil wells and pipelines to control bacteria and prevent corrosion.
Questions:
Q: What is potassium hypochlorite?
A: Potassium hypochlorite is a chemical compound with the formula KClO, which is commonly used as a disinfectant, bleach, and water treatment chemical.
Q: What is the pH of a 0.42 M solution of KClO? [Ka(HClO) = 4.0 × 10–8]
A: The pH of a 0.42 M solution of KClO can be calculated using the Ka value of its conjugate acid, HClO. The pH is approximately 12.69.
Q: What is sodium hypochlorite and potassium hydroxide?
A: Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical compound with the formula NaClO, which is commonly used as a bleach and disinfectant. Potassium hydroxide is a chemical compound with the formula KOH, which is commonly used in the production of soap and as a laboratory reagent.
Q: What is the pH of a 0.116 M aqueous solution of KClO?
A: The pH of a 0.116 M aqueous solution of KClO, can be calculated using the Kb value of its conjugate base, ClO-. The pH is approximately 11.31.
Q: What is the pH of a 0.191 M aqueous solution of KClO?
A: The pH of a 0.191 M aqueous solution of KClO, can be calculated using the Kb value of its conjugate base, ClO-. The pH is approximately 11.92.
Q: Is KClO soluble?
A: Yes, KClO is soluble in water and forms an alkaline solution.
Q: Can I mix sodium hypochlorite and potassium hypochlorite?
A: Mixing sodium hypochlorite and KClO is not recommended as it can lead to a chemical reaction that produces heat, gas, and potentially dangerous byproducts.