Sodium Hypochlorite Formula: Properties, Uses 

Sodium Hypochlorite Formula: Sodium hypochlorite is an ionic compound represented by the chemical formula NaOCl, consisting of a sodium cation and a hypochlorite anion. It is commonly known by various names, including antiformin and bleach. In its natural state, it is typically found as the pentahydrate form due to the instability and explosive nature of its anhydrous form. The sodium hypochlorite pentahydrate appears as a pale greenish-yellow solid, characterized by stability and non-explosiveness. This compound is widely use as both a cleaning agent and a bleaching agent.

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Sodium Hypochlorite Formula

In its liquid state, sodium hypochlorite serves as a potent oxidizing agent, exhibiting a greenish or yellowish hue. Due to its crucial role in bleach, it is often referred to as such. Its chemical formula, NaClO, comprises one sodium (Na) atom, one chlorine (Cl) atom, and one oxygen (O) atom. The chemical structure reveals an ionic interaction between the hypochlorite ion (ClO ^- ) and the sodium (Na ⁺ ) ion. With a molar mass of 74.44 grams per mole, sodium hypochlorite possesses these distinctive properties.

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Chemical Properties of Sodium Hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite exhibits notable chemical properties. It serves as a potent oxidizing agent and demonstrates various reactions:

Formation of Salts and Chlorine Gas: When sodium hypochlorite interacts with protic acids like HCl, it produces salts while releasing poisonous chlorine gas. It can also form hypochlorous acid (HClO) in certain acidic environments.

Decomposition in Water: Sodium hypochlorite decomposes in water, yielding sodium and chloride ions, along with the strong oxidizing agent hydroxyl radical (OH•). This decomposition leads to the formation of sodium chloride and oxygen.

Molar Mass: The molar mass of sodium hypochlorite is 74.4 g/mol.

Physical Properties of Sodium Hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite pentahydrate presents distinct physical properties:

Appearance: It appears as a greenish-yellow solid.

Odor: It has a chlorine-like odor with a slightly sweetish note.

Melting Point: The melting point is 18 ℃.

Boiling Point: It boils at 101 ℃.

Solubility: Sodium hypochlorite is soluble in water.

Density: It possesses a density of 1.11 g/cm³.

Corrosiveness: Sodium hypochlorite is corrosive.

Stability: Sodium hypochlorite is inherently unstable and explosive, but the pentahydrate form is stable at lower temperatures and is non-explosive. At elevated temperatures, it decomposes to form sodium chlorate and sodium chloride according to the following reaction:

3NaOCl(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + NaClO ₃ (aq)

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Sodium Hypochlorite Reactions

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Uses of Sodium Hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite finds diverse and valuable uses across various fields, making it a versatile compound with numerous applications:

Bleaching Agent: Sodium hypochlorite is commonly employed as a bleach. Household bleach solutions typically contain 3-8% sodium hypochlorite by weight.

Cleaning Purposes: It is utilized for cleaning tasks, including the removal of mold stains and dental discolorations.

Disinfectant: Its strong antimicrobial properties make it a crucial disinfectant, particularly in hospital settings. It is also a component of Dakin's solution, a well-known antiseptic.

Deodorizing and Caustic Effects: Sodium hypochlorite's deodorizing and caustic properties enhance its effectiveness in cleaning and laundry applications.

Wastewater Treatment: It plays a vital role in treating wastewater, aiding in the removal of contaminants.

Endodontic Therapy: Due to its ability to combat pathogenic organisms, sodium hypochlorite is used in endodontic therapy, specifically in root canal treatments.

Eczema Treatment: Soaps containing sodium hypochlorite have been used for decades to treat eczema in humans.

Water Treatment Facilities: Sodium hypochlorite serves as a disinfectant in water treatment facilities, ensuring safe and clean water supplies.

Swimming Pools: It is used to disinfect swimming pools, maintaining water hygiene.

Medical and Dental Procedures: Sodium hypochlorite is employed in specific medical and dental procedures for its disinfecting properties.

Food Industry: In the food industry, it functions as a deodorizer, contributing to the overall freshness of food products.

Household Use: In households, sodium hypochlorite is employed as a deodorizer and cleaning agent, addressing a wide range of cleaning needs.

Laundry Detergents: It is a key component in laundry detergents, acting as a stain remover and bleach, ensuring bright and stain-free clothing.

In summary, sodium hypochlorite plays a multifaceted role as a bleaching agent, disinfectant, and cleaning agent, serving both household and industrial purposes across various sectors, from healthcare to wastewater treatment and beyond.