Sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach, is a solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in water. It has a chlorine taste and odor and is a very weak base. Sodium hypochlorite is widely used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. In this article, we will discuss the various properties and uses of sodium hypochlorite.
Chemical properties
Sodium hypochlorite is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOCl or NaHOCl. When in solution, it dissociates into sodium and hypochlorite ions. The concentration of sodium hypochlorite solutions is usually given as percentage (%) of available chlorine content. Commercial household bleach contains around 5-6% of sodium hypochlorite.
Sodium Hypochlorite is a yellowish-greenish crystalline solid but commonly available as an aqueous solution. It is highly unstable and gradually decomposes to sodium chloride and oxygen. Temperature, sunlight and contaminants like acids or metals accelerate its decomposition. Proper storage in a cool and dark place helps maintain the sodium hypochlorite concentration for longer.
Bleaching and disinfection
One of the primary uses of sodium hypochlorite is as a bleaching agent and disinfectant. The hypochlorite ion (OCl-) present in sodium hypochlorite solution removes colors from substances by oxidizing the chromophore part of the colored molecules. This property of converting colors to optically whiter shades makes it useful as a household bleaching agent for clothes, fabrics and hard surfaces.
Sodium hypochlorite exerts strong antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity by inactivating the proteins and disrupting the cell membranes of microbes. Due to this, bleach solutions have been widely used as disinfectants to sanitize surfaces in hospitals, laboratories and food industries. A 0.1% sodium hypochlorite solution is sufficient to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi within a few minutes. Its germicidal power and low cost make it a very popular choice for disinfection worldwide.
Pool sanitization
Swimming pools require regular cleaning and treatment to keep the water safe for swimming. Sodium hypochlorite solutions play a key role in pool sanitization as they kill potentially dangerous microbes that may enter the water. A 0.5-1.5 ppm chlorine concentration maintained via sodium hypochlorite helps protect swimmers from illnesses caused by germs like E.coli and cryptosporidium. It also prevents algal and fungal growths that can damage pool equipment over time. Sodium hypochlorite balances the pH and kills microbes to maintain pool hygiene.
Water treatment
At municipal levels, sodium hypochlorite is extensively used for killing disease-causing pathogens during water treatment processes. It helps purify surface water sources like lakes and rivers before supplying to homes. The chlorine introduced via sodium hypochlorite disinfects water and inhibits bacterial re-growth in distribution pipelines. This ensures delivery of clean and safe drinking water. Sodium hypochlorite disinfection plays an essential public health role in preventing outbreaks of water-borne diseases.
Other uses
Some other key applications of sodium hypochlorite based on its chemical reactivity include:
- Oxidation of organic compounds - Its oxidizing property enables bleaching of wood pulp in paper industry.
- Chemical synthesis - Hypochlorite acts as a chlorinating agent in production of fireworks, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and dyes.
- Household cleaning - Diluted bleach solutions are used to disinfect kitchen surfaces, remove stains, unclog drains and whiten fabrics.
- Dentistry - Low concentrations help disinfect dental units and whiten teeth.
- Swimming pool pH regulation - As hypochlorous acid, it maintains pool alkalinity balance.
Closing thoughts
In summary, sodium hypochlorite has widespread commercial applications due to its bleaching, disinfecting and oxidizing properties. Though it decomposes readily, proper handling ensures this economical chemical's safe usage in household cleaning, antimicrobial treatments, water purification and more. Sodium hypochlorite continues playing a key role in public sanitation globally.
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