Sodium Hypochlorite – Formula, Structure, Properties, Production and Uses

What is Sodium Hypochlorite?

Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical compound with the formula NaClO. It is a white solid that is very soluble in water. It is a weak base and a strong oxidizing agent. It is used as a disinfectant, bleaching agent, and oxidizing agent.

Sodium Hypochlorite and its Formula

Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical compound with the formula NaOCl. It is a white solid that is very soluble in water. It is an important ingredient in bleach. Sodium hypochlorite is made by the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution.

Structure of Sodium Hypochlorite

• The molecular structure of sodium hypochlorite is shown in the figure below. Sodium hypochlorite is composed of a sodium ion and a chlorine ion. The sodium ion is Na+ and the chlorine ion is Cl-. The sodium and chlorine ions are held together by a covalent bond.
• Sodium hypochlorite is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaOCl. It is a white solid that is very soluble in water. It is commonly used as a disinfectant and bleach.
• The sodium hypochlorite molecule is composed of a sodium atom and an oxygen atom bonded to a chlorine atom. The sodium atom is located in the center of the molecule and the chlorine atom is located on the outside. The sodium atom is surrounded by six oxygen atoms and the chlorine atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms. The sodium atom and the chlorine atom are both covalently bonded to the oxygen atoms.
• The sodium hypochlorite molecule is a polar molecule. The electron density is concentrated on the oxygen atoms and the sodium atom is electron deficient. This creates a dipole moment in the molecule. The chlorine atom is located on the negative side of the dipole and the sodium atom is located on the positive side.
• The sodium hypochlorite molecule is a strong base. It is capable of donating a proton to other molecules. This makes it a good disinfectant and bleach.

Uses of Sodium Hypochlorite

• Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical compound with the formula NaClO.
• It is a white solid that is available in tablet and granular form.
• It is a strong oxidizing agent that is used as a bleaching agent, a disinfectant, and a water purifier.
• It is also used in the manufacture of paper, textiles, and other industrial products.

Sodium Hypochlorite: Summary in Tabular Form

• Chemical Formula NaOCl Molar Mass 74.44 g/mol Appearance Clear, colorless liquid with a chlorine odor Density 1.495 g/cm3 Boiling Point 101.3 °C (214.5 °F) Vapor Pressure 2.5 mmHg (20 °C) Solubility in Water 33.5% (20 °C)
• Sodium hypochlorite is a clear, colorless liquid with a chlorine odor. It is highly soluble in water, with 33.5% of the compound dissolving at 20 °C. The compound has a boiling point of 101.3 °C and a vapor pressure of 2.5 mmHg.