Sodium Hypochlorite
Bleach, NaOCl
- CAS
- 7681-52-9
- EC
- 231-668-3
- Sectors
- Water & Wastewater Treatment, Textiles, Leather & Paper, Food & Nutrition
Sodium Hypochlorite (CAS 7681-52-9) is an inorganic chlorine-based oxidizing agent that appears as a light yellow solution with a strong odor, typically available as 5-15% aqueous solutions, and is used for water disinfection, pulp bleaching in paper, sanitizing food equipment, wastewater treatment and as an oxidizer in chemical synthesis. Typically available as 5-15% aqueous solutions with chlorine odor; density 1.11-1.25 g/mL, decomposes above 40°C releasing oxygen and chlorine. Soluble in water, unstable in light or heat; pH 11-13. Produced by electrolyzing NaCl solution or reacting chlorine with NaOH.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | ClHO.Na |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 74.44 g/mol |
| Appearance | colourless liquid with strong odour |
| Form | Solution |
| Color | Light yellow |
| Odor | pale greenish to yel. liq., chlorine bleach odor |
| Melting point | 18 °C |
| Boiling point | 101 °C |
| Density | 1.25 g/mL at 20 °C |
| Water solubility | decomposes. |
| pH | 12-13 (20°C, 68 °F) |
| GHS signal word | Danger · Corrosive, Irritant / harmful, Health hazard, Environmental hazard |
| HS code | 28289000 |
| Grades available | Technical Grade |
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.
Sodium Hypochlorite
Applications
Used for water disinfection, pulp bleaching in paper, sanitizing food equipment, wastewater treatment, and as an oxidizer in chemical synthesis.
Safety & Risks
Corrosive, causing burns to skin/eyes; inhalation irritates lungs. Reacts with acids to form chlorine gas; avoid ammonia to prevent explosions. UN1791, Hazard Class 8.
Packaging
In 5-55 gallon plastic drums or bulk tanks. Store cool, dark, ventilated; pentahydrate in sealed containers.