Sodium Hypochlorite

Name and Chemical Formula : Sodium Hypochlorite( NaOCl)

ISO 9001: 2000 ISO 14001

Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical compound with the formula NaClO. It is composed of a sodium cation (Na⁺) and a hypochlorite anion (ClO⁻); it may also be viewed as the sodium salt of hypochlorous acid. When dissolved in water it is commonly known as bleach or liquid bleach. Sodium hypochlorite is practically and chemically distinct from chlorine. Sodium hypochlorite is frequently used as a disinfectant or a bleaching agent. The mixture of sodium peroxide (Na₂O₂) and hydrochloric acid, which react to produce sodium hypochlorite is also termed as oxone.

Bleaching:
Household bleach is, in general, a solution containing 3–8% sodium hypochlorite, by weight, and 0.01–0.05% sodium hydroxide; the sodium hydroxide is used to slow the decomposition of sodium hypochlorite into sodium chloride and sodium chlorate.

Cleaning:
Sodium hypochlorite has destaining properties. Among other applications, it can be used to remove mold stains, dental stains caused by fluorosis, and stains on crockery, especially those caused by the tannins in tea. It has also been used in laundry detergents and as a surface cleaner.
Its bleaching, cleaning, deodorizing and caustic effects are due to oxidation and hydrolysis (saponification). Organic dirt exposed to hypochlorite becomes water-soluble and non-volatile, which reduces its odor and facilitates its removal.