Bleaching Powder
Calcium Hypochlorite, Chlorinated Lime, Chlorine Powder
- CAS
- 7778-54-3
- EC
- 231-908-7
- Sectors
- Water & Wastewater Treatment, Home Care & Industrial Cleaning, Textiles, Leather & Paper
Bleaching Powder (CAS 7778-54-3), also known as calcium hypochlorite, is an inorganic chlorine-based oxidizer with a high available chlorine content, supplied as a white to off-white or faint green solid used for water purification, industrial sanitization and textile whitening. It features a high available chlorine content, effective against pathogens and algae.
In the cleaning industry, it is a staple for sanitization of large surfaces and industrial equipment. Its stable powder form allows for easier handling compared to liquid chlorine alternatives.
This chemical is also utilized in the textile industry for whitening cotton and linen fabrics. It provides efficient bleach performance while maintaining cost-effectiveness for large-scale operations.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | Ca.2ClHO |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 142.98 g/mol |
| Form | Tablets |
| Color | White to off-white or faint green |
| Odor | Chlorine-like odor |
| Melting point | 100 °C |
| Density | 2.35 g/cm³ |
| Water solubility | 200 g/L (20 °C) (dec.) |
| GHS signal word | Danger · Oxidizing, Corrosive, Acute toxicity, Irritant / harmful, Health hazard, Environmental hazard |
| HS code | 28281000 |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Bleaching Powder
Applications
- Water Disinfection: Used to treat drinking water and swimming pools to eliminate harmful bacteria.
- Industrial Sanitization: Applied in food processing plants for heavy-duty surface disinfection and cleaning.
- Textile Whitening: Used as a bleaching agent in the pre-treatment of natural fibers and fabrics.
Safety & Risks
Classified as Oxidizer (Class 5.1) and Corrosive. It can cause severe skin burns and eye damage. Always wear rubber gloves, goggles, and respirators.
Packaging
25kg or 45kg plastic drums and airtight moisture-proof bags.