Sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) is a chemical compound used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. It’s commonly found in household bleach and pool products. It can irritate skin and eyes if not handled properly.
| IUPAC Name | Sodium Hypochlorite |
| Molecular Formula | NaClO |
| CAS Number | 7681-52-9 |
| Synonyms | Hypochlorous acid, sodium salt; Sodium oxychloride; Chlorox; Bleach |
| InChI | InChI=1S/ClO.Na/h1H;/q;+1/p-1 |
Sodium Hypochlorite Properties
Sodium Hypochlorite Formula
Sodium hypochlorite has a chemical formula of NaClO, which is the result of the combination of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and chlorine (Cl2). The chemical bond between sodium and hypochlorite results in the formation of a strong oxidizing agent that has many applications in industry and household cleaning products.
Sodium Hypochlorite Molar Mass
The molar mass of NaClO is 74.44 g/mol. This value is calculated by adding the atomic weights of each element in the compound, which includes sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), and oxygen (O). The molar mass is an important parameter in determining the concentration and amount of NaClO needed for a particular application.
Sodium Hypochlorite Boiling Point
NaClO does not have a specific boiling point since it decomposes at high temperatures. However, the decomposition temperature of NaClO can range from 40-70°C, depending on the concentration and other factors such as pH and the presence of impurities.
Sodium Hypochlorite Melting Point
NaClO is typically sold in its liquid form and does not have a specific melting point. However, as with its boiling point, the decomposition temperature of NaClO can be used as a reference point for its thermal stability.
Sodium Hypochlorite Density g/mL
The density of NaClO varies depending on its concentration. For example, a 5% solution of NaClO has a density of approximately 1.05 g/mL, while a 12% solution has a density of around 1.13 g/mL. The density of NaClO is important for determining its weight and volume in a given application.
Sodium Hypochlorite Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of NaClO is 74.44 g/mol. This value is calculated by adding the atomic weights of each element in the compound, which includes sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), and oxygen (O). The molecular weight is an important parameter in determining the amount of NaClO needed for a particular application.
Sodium Hypochlorite Structure
NaClO has a chemical structure that consists of a sodium ion (Na+) and a hypochlorite ion (ClO-). The hypochlorite ion has a bent molecular geometry due to the lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom. The sodium ion is located at the center of the hypochlorite ion, surrounded by the oxygen and chlorine atoms.
Sodium Hypochlorite Solubility
NaClO is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 21 g/100 mL at room temperature. Its solubility increases with higher temperatures and concentrations. The solubility of NaClO is important for determining its dissolution rate and effectiveness in a given application.
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.11 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless to pale yellow |
| Odor | Chlorine-like odor |
| Molar Mass | 74.44 g/mol |
| Density | 1.11 g/mL |
| Melting Point | Decomposes before melting |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling |
| Flash Point | Non-flammable |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | Not applicable |
| Vapour Density | Not applicable |
| pKa | 7.5 |
| pH | 11-13 (in solution) |
Sodium Hypochlorite Safety and Hazards
NaClO can be hazardous if not handled properly. It can cause severe skin and eye irritation, as well as respiratory issues if inhaled. Ingesting NaClO can lead to gastrointestinal distress and potentially life-threatening complications. When mixed with other chemicals, it can produce harmful and even deadly fumes. It is important to follow proper safety protocols, such as wearing protective gear and using the correct concentration and dilution, when working with NaClO. Proper storage and disposal are also crucial to prevent accidents and environmental contamination.
| Hazard Symbols | Skull and crossbones |
| Safety Description | Corrosive. May cause severe skin burns and eye damage. Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. |
| UN IDs | UN1791 |
| HS Code | 2828.90.00 |
| Hazard Class | 8 (Corrosive substances) |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | LD50 (oral, rat) – 850 mg/kg; LC50 (inhalation, rat) – 4.7 mg/m3 (4-hour exposure) |
Sodium Hypochlorite Synthesis Methods
Several methods can synthesize sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), including the Hooker process, the continuous process, and the batch process.
The Hooker process involves reacting chlorine gas with sodium hydroxide in a cooling tower to produce NaClO and sodium chloride.
In this process, we continuously mix sodium hydroxide and chlorine gas to produce NaClO, and then we send it to a storage tank.
The batch process involves mixing a solution of sodium hydroxide and water with chlorine gas in a reaction vessel, followed by filtration and stabilization with sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate.
Another method of synthesizing NaClO is through the electrolysis of a solution of sodium chloride, which produces NaClO and hydrogen gas. Household bleach production commonly uses this method.
Sodium Hypochlorite Uses
NaClO has a variety of uses across different industries, including:
- Disinfectant: A powerful disinfectant commonly used to sanitize surfaces, equipment, and water in industries such as healthcare, food processing, and water treatment.
- Bleaching agent: Used as a bleaching agent in the textile and paper industries to whiten fabrics and paper products.
- Swimming pool sanitation: Commonly used to sanitize swimming pools and maintain proper water chemistry.
- Stain removal: Used as a stain remover for fabrics, especially for removing tough stains like blood or wine.
- Chemical synthesis: Used in the production of various chemicals, such as chloroform and propylene oxide.
- Oil and gas drilling: Used to control bacterial growth in drilling muds and to clean pipelines and equipment in the oil and gas industry.
- Household cleaning: Also used in household cleaning products, such as bleach and disinfectant sprays.
Questions:
Q: What is sodium hypochlorite used for?
A: NaClO is used as a disinfectant, bleaching agent, swimming pool sanitizer, stain remover, chemical synthesis reagent, and household cleaner.
Q: Who discovered sodium hypochlorite?
A: NaClO was discovered by French chemist Claude Louis Berthollet in 1789.
Q: Where to buy sodium hypochlorite bleach?
A: NaClO bleach can be purchased at grocery stores, hardware stores, and online retailers.
Q: How to make sodium hypochlorite?
A: NaClO can be made through several methods, including the Hooker process, continuous process, and batch process. These methods involve reacting chlorine gas with sodium hydroxide or electrolyzing a solution of sodium chloride.
Q: How much sodium hypochlorite is in 1 liter of water?
A: The concentration of NaClO in 1 liter of water can vary depending on the intended use. Typically, household bleach solutions contain 3-6% NaClO, while industrial-strength solutions can contain up to 15%.
Q: How to prepare 0.5% sodium hypochlorite?
A: To prepare a 0.5% NaClO solution, mix 5 milliliters of household bleach containing 5.25% NaClO with 995 milliliters of water.
Q: Is NaClO an acid or base?
A: NaClO, or NaClO, is a basic compound.
Q: Is NaClO a strong base?
A: NaClO is not considered a strong base, but it is a weak base.
Q: What is NaClO?
A: NaClO is the chemical formula for sodium hypochlorite, which is a compound used for disinfecting, bleaching, and cleaning.
Q: If you have 68.22 g of NaClO, what is the theoretical yield in liters of oxygen?
A: The theoretical yield of oxygen from 68.22 g of NaClO can be calculated using stoichiometry. One mole of NaClO produces one mole of oxygen gas. The molar mass of NaClO is 74.44 g/mol, so 68.22 g of NaClO is approximately 0.917 moles. Therefore, the theoretical yield of oxygen gas is 0.917 liters at standard temperature and pressure.