Physics Wallah

Bleaching Powder Formula: Chemical Property, Molecular Name

Bleaching Powder Formula, called Calcium hypochlorite, is a white or grayish-white powder frequently used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. There are several applications for bleaching power, including as a bleaching agent, disinfectant, and sanitizer.
authorImageYashasvi Tyagi10 Sept, 2023
Share

Share

Bleaching Powder Formula

Bleaching Powder Formula, called Calcium hypochlorite, is a white or grayish-white powder frequently used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. Its chemical composition Ca(ClO ) 2 denotes the presence of calcium, chlorine, and oxygen atoms. There are several applications for bleaching power, including as a bleaching agent, disinfectant, and sanitizer. Its potent oxidizing abilities make it a valuable agent for cleaning stains, eliminating viruses and germs, and deodorizing surfaces.

This section will describe calcium hypochlorite's molecular structure and the bleaching powder's chemical formula. It is crucial to remember that the major component of bleaching powder is Calcium hypochlorite.

Introduction To Bleaching Powder Formula

The inorganic compound Ca(ClO ) 2 is calcium hypochlorite or Bleaching Powder. Despite the golden appearance of commercial samples, it is a white solid. It has a distinct chlorine odor because of how slowly it breaks down in damp air. Compared to sodium hypochlorite, this chemical contains more accessible chlorine and is more stable as a solid and solution. 99.2% of the chlorine in "pure" samples is active. A typical active chlorine level is 65-70% for industrial purity. It is the primary component of bleaching powder, a commercial product used as a bleaching agent and to purify water.

Also Check - Aluminium Acetate Formula

Bleaching Powder Formula

Bleaching powder, or more frequently, Calcium Hypochlorite, has a chemical formula Ca(ClO ) 2 . Additionally, information is given on the solubility of the bleaching powder. We are aware that bleaching powder is regarded as soluble in simple water. Additionally, this powder is employed in several textile sectors as a bleaching agent. The fact that bleaching powder serves as a specific oxidizing agent and may thus be utilized for cleaning materials in many sectors is another one of its key purposes.

Chlorine gas is generated to react with dry-slaked lime to create bleaching powder. Knowing the components and their chemical formula is crucial for getting excellent grades. Hence, it is very vital.

Properties Of Bleaching Powder

The characteristics of bleaching powder are as follows:

  • A little yellowish color can be seen in the bleaching powder.
  • Chlorine may be detected rather strongly in bleaching powder.
  • Cold water can partially dissolve bleaching powder, but not completely. The minimal quantity of lime in the powder will not dissolve when you attempt to dissolve it in water.
  • The chlorine in the bleaching powder will be released when it combines with sulfuric acid.
  • Following a reaction with weak acids, bleaching powder creates chlorine.
  • When the bleaching powder is left out for a long time, it will undergo oxidation and produce calcium chlorate and calcium chloride. Additionally, it lessens the powder's whitening action.

Also Check - Chemical Bonding Formula

Bleaching Powder Formula Uses

Bleaching powder has several applications across various sectors. Understanding the bleaching powder formula is crucial for this reason. The most typical applications for bleaching powder are listed below:

  • To remove the colors from different textile goods, including yarn, paper, and fiber, bleaching powder is utilized in the textile business.
  • Bleaching powder is also used to make white clothing in the textile business. The removal of incidental discoloration that happens during fabric creation is another usage for it by the makers.
  • Water that has bacteria in it can be disinfected using bleaching powder to make it safe to drink. A pound of bleaching powder can disinfect around 10,000 gallons of water.
  • For cleaning and sanitizing food preparation equipment, many people use bleaching powder.
  • One of the primary components of chloroform is bleaching powder.
  • To remove the soiled spots, apply bleaching powder when washing the clothes.

Also Check - Surface Chemistry Formula

Guidelines For Safe Use Of Bleaching Powder

When using bleaching powder, you must exercise caution to prevent any negative side effects. You may protect yourself against these bleaching powder side effects in a few different methods:

  • Bleaching powder and ammonia should never be combined since the resultant gas can be fatal and cause respiratory difficulties.
  • As it irritates and burns, bleaching powder should be removed from the skin and eyes.
  • If you unintentionally ingested the bleaching powder, go to the hospital center.
  • Bleach powder may seriously harm your lungs if you breathe it in. If you need oxygen support, you should immediately get to the hospital.

Also Check - Avogadro Law Formula

Bleaching Powder's Negative Effects

Bleaching powder has a variety of uses and is found everywhere. If bleaching powder is not used properly, there are also adverse effects. Listed below are some negative impacts of this chemical compound:

  • Bleaching powder may be exceedingly harmful when it comes into contact with the human eye. Your vision may get hazy, and your eye may tear up if the condition worsens.
  • Although it doesn't seriously harm them, bleaching powder can irritate your tongue and throat.
  • After applying bleaching powder, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid damaging your skin from chlorine exposure. The nerves may suffer long-lasting harm.

Bleaching Powder Formula FAQs

How is bleaching powder made, and how is it used?

Bleaching powder is known chemically as calcium hypochlorite. It's an inorganic substance. Calcium hypochlorite has the chemical formula CaO(Cl)2. It is an essential part of industrial goods used for water treatment and as bleaching agents, such as bleaching powder, chlorinated lime, or chlorine powder.]

What is the alternative term for bleaching powder?

Lime chloride, bleaching powder, and chlorine powder are additional names for the same substance. Calcium hypochlorite is the compound's alternate name. It is a white powder with a chlorine scent. It has a high oxidizing capacity.

Q3. Does bleaching powder cause a risk to humans?

In bleach, water purifiers, and cleaning supplies, sodium hypochlorite is a chemical that is often used. Chemical caustics include sodium hypochlorite. Injury may result if it comes into touch with tissues. You can become poisoned by ingesting sodium hypochlorite.

Does bleaching powder catch fire?

Bleaching powder is classified as non-flammable in the material safety data sheets (MSDS); however, under the oxidizing and explosive qualities, the MSDS also states that it is a "strong oxidizer, so it has serious fire and explosion risks." 'Contact with flammable items may cause a fire' is added afterward.

What makes chlorine and bleach different from one another?

The primary distinction between these compounds that exists is their strength. The more potent substance is chlorine. When administered, more bleach is required to raise the water's level of chlorine to the desired level than would otherwise be the case.
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.