Product

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is an inorganic compound most commonly encountered as a pale greenish-yellow liquid solution, widely known as household bleach. It consists of sodium ions (Na⁺) and hypochlorite ions (ClO⁻), and is the sodium salt of hypochlorous acid.

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Appearance: Light green to yellow liquid with a strong chlorine odor.
• Stability: The anhydrous compound is unstable and can decompose explosively, but the solution form is stable when kept cool and alkaline.
• Concentration: Household bleach typically contains 3–8% sodium hypochlorite, while industrial solutions can be much stronger, up to 12.5% or higher.

Production

Today, the Hooker process (named after Hooker Chemicals, acquired by Occidental Petroleum), is the only large-scale industrial method of sodium hypochlorite production. In the process, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and sodium chloride (NaCl) are formed when chlorine gas is passed into a cold dilute sodium hydroxide solution, a process that also yields sodium chloride and water.. The chlorine is prepared industrially by electrolysis with minimal separation between the anode and the cathode. The solution must be kept below 40 °C (by cooling coils) to prevent the undesired formation of sodium chlorate.

Uses

• Disinfection: It is a powerful disinfectant, used extensively for sanitizing drinking water, wastewater, swimming pools, and surfaces in healthcare and food industries.
• Bleaching: Sodium hypochlorite is the main active ingredient in liquid bleach, used for whitening textiles and laundry, and in the paper and textile industries.
• Cleaning: It is employed for removing stains, deodorizing, and destaining various surfaces.
• Medical: Dilute sodium hypochlorite solutions are used for wound care (e.g., Dakin’s solution) and to disinfect medical equipment.
• Industrial: Used in chemical synthesis, odor control, and as an oxidizing agent in various processes.