Difference between revisions of "Sodium hypochlorite"

From Sciencemadness Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
 
(9 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
[[File:Bleach.JPG|thumb|317x317px|Store-bought concentrated bleach]]
+
{{Chembox
−
'''Sodium hypochlorite''' is a chemical compound with the formula NaClO. It is composed of a sodium cation (Na<sup>+</sup>) and a hypochlorite anion (ClO<sup>−</sup>); 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, and is frequently used as a disinfectant or a bleaching agent.
+
| Name = Sodium hypochlorite
 +
| Reference =
 +
| IUPACName = Sodium hypochlorite
 +
| PIN =
 +
| SystematicName =
 +
| OtherNames = Bleach<br>Sodium oxychloride
 +
<!-- Images -->
 +
| ImageFile = Bleach sample.jpg
 +
| ImageSize = 300
 +
| ImageAlt =
 +
| ImageName =
 +
| ImageCaption = Store-bought concentrated [[bleach]]
 +
| ImageFile1 =
 +
| ImageSize1 =
 +
| ImageAlt1 =
 +
| ImageName1 =
 +
| ImageFile2 =
 +
| ImageSize2 =
 +
| ImageAlt2 =
 +
| ImageName2 =
 +
| ImageFile3 =
 +
| ImageSize3 =
 +
| ImageAlt3 =
 +
| ImageName3 =
 +
| ImageFileL1 =
 +
| ImageSizeL1 =
 +
| ImageAltL1 =
 +
| ImageNameL1 =
 +
| ImageFileR1 =
 +
| ImageSizeR1 =
 +
| ImageAltR1 =
 +
| ImageNameR1 =
 +
| ImageFileL2 =
 +
| ImageSizeL2 =
 +
| ImageAltL2 =
 +
| ImageNameL2 =
 +
| ImageFileR2 =
 +
| ImageSizeR2 =
 +
| ImageAltR2 =
 +
| ImageNameR2 =
 +
<!-- Sections -->
 +
| Section1 = {{Chembox Identifiers
 +
| 3DMet =
 +
| Abbreviations =
 +
| SMILES =
 +
  }}
 +
| Section2 = {{Chembox Properties
 +
| AtmosphericOHRateConstant =
 +
| Appearance = Pale yellow-greenish powder (solid)<br>Pale green liquid (solution)
 +
| BoilingPt =
 +
| BoilingPtC = 101
 +
| BoilingPt_ref =
 +
| BoilingPt_notes = (decomposes); decomposition begins above 40 °C
 +
| Density = 1.11 g/cm<sup>3</sup>
 +
| Formula = NaOCl
 +
| HenryConstant =
 +
| LogP =
 +
| MolarMass = 74.442 g/mol
 +
| MeltingPt =
 +
| MeltingPtC = 18
 +
| MeltingPt_ref =
 +
| MeltingPt_notes = (pentahydrate)
 +
| Odor = Chlorine-like
 +
| pKa = 7.5185
 +
| pKb = 6.4815
 +
| Solubility = 29.3 g/100ml (0 °C)
 +
| SolubleOther = Reacts with [[alcohol]]s, [[ketone]]s
 +
| Solvent =
 +
| VaporPressure =
 +
  }}
 +
| Section3 = {{Chembox Structure
 +
| Coordination =
 +
| CrystalStruct =
 +
| MolShape =
 +
  }}
 +
| Section4 = {{Chembox Thermochemistry
 +
| DeltaGf =
 +
| DeltaHc =
 +
| DeltaHf = -347.1 kJ/mol
 +
| Entropy =
 +
| HeatCapacity =
 +
  }}
 +
| Section5 = {{Chembox Explosive
 +
| ShockSens =
 +
| FrictionSens =
 +
| DetonationV =
 +
| REFactor =
 +
  }}
 +
| Section6 = {{Chembox Hazards
 +
| AutoignitionPt =
 +
| ExploLimits =
 +
| ExternalMSDS = [https://www.docdroid.net/klGxR0X/sodium-hypochlorite-6-14-merck.pdf.html Merck]
 +
| FlashPt =
 +
| LD50 =
 +
| LC50 =
 +
| MainHazards = Corrosive<br>Toxic
 +
| NFPA-F =
 +
| NFPA-H =
 +
| NFPA-R =
 +
| NFPA-S =
 +
  }}
 +
| Section7 = {{Chembox Related
 +
| OtherAnions =
 +
| OtherCations =
 +
| OtherFunction =
 +
| OtherFunction_label =
 +
| OtherCompounds = [[Lithium hypochlorite]]<br>[[Potassium hypochlorite]]<br>[[Calcium hypochlorite]]
 +
  }}
 +
}}
 +
'''Sodium hypochlorite''' is a chemical compound with the formula '''NaClO'''. It is composed of a sodium cation (Na<sup>+</sup>) and a hypochlorite anion (ClO<sup>−</sup>); 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, and is frequently used as a disinfectant or a bleaching agent.
  
 
==Properties==
 
==Properties==
Line 6: Line 115:
 
The dry powder is highly unstable and shock sensitive, it is always used in solution. Sodium hypochlorite is highly reactive and a potent oxidizer. It reacts with acids to form [[chlorine|chlorine gas]], [[ketone]]s to form [[chloroform]], [[ammonia]] to form [[chloramine]]s, and with various other compounds, both organic and inorganic. Sodium hypochlorite should not be mixed with another chemical unless either the reaction is already researched or it is done on a small scale in a fume hood or outside. At very high temperatures and concentrations, sodium hypochlorite reacts with itself in a two-step [[disproportionation reaction]] that proceeds as follows:
 
The dry powder is highly unstable and shock sensitive, it is always used in solution. Sodium hypochlorite is highly reactive and a potent oxidizer. It reacts with acids to form [[chlorine|chlorine gas]], [[ketone]]s to form [[chloroform]], [[ammonia]] to form [[chloramine]]s, and with various other compounds, both organic and inorganic. Sodium hypochlorite should not be mixed with another chemical unless either the reaction is already researched or it is done on a small scale in a fume hood or outside. At very high temperatures and concentrations, sodium hypochlorite reacts with itself in a two-step [[disproportionation reaction]] that proceeds as follows:
  
−
:2NaOCl → NaClO<sub>2</sub> + NaCl
+
:2 NaOCl → NaClO<sub>2</sub> + NaCl
 
:NaOCl + NaClO<sub>2</sub> → NaClO<sub>3</sub> + NaCl
 
:NaOCl + NaClO<sub>2</sub> → NaClO<sub>3</sub> + NaCl
  
Line 16: Line 125:
  
 
===Physical===
 
===Physical===
−
[[File:Images.jpg|thumb|Pure sodium hypochlorite]]
+
[[File:Solid sodium hypochlorite sample.jpg|thumb|Pure sodium hypochlorite <sup>'''is it?'''</sup>]]
 
Solid sodium hypochlorite appears as a greenish-yellow solid (pentahydrate) crystals. In solution, it is usually a light green liquid with a sweet, chlorine smell.
 
Solid sodium hypochlorite appears as a greenish-yellow solid (pentahydrate) crystals. In solution, it is usually a light green liquid with a sweet, chlorine smell.
  
Line 24: Line 133:
 
==Preparation==
 
==Preparation==
 
It 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.
 
It 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.
−
:Cl<sub>2</sub> + 2 NaOH → NaCl + NaClO + H2O
+
:Cl<sub>2</sub> + 2 NaOH → NaCl + NaClO + H<sub>2</sub>O
 
Hence, chlorine is simultaneously reduced and oxidized; this process is known as disproportionation.
 
Hence, chlorine is simultaneously reduced and oxidized; this process is known as disproportionation.
  
Line 46: Line 155:
 
Bleach solutions can be neutralized with hydrogen peroxide. Bisulfites, metabisulfites or thiosulfites can also be used.
 
Bleach solutions can be neutralized with hydrogen peroxide. Bisulfites, metabisulfites or thiosulfites can also be used.
  
−
NEVER USE ACIDS TO NEUTRALIZE BLEACH!
+
NEVER USE ACIDS TO NEUTRALIZE BLEACH! The reaction releases chlorine gas which is highly toxic.
 +
 
 +
==See also==
 +
*[[Bleach]]
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references />
 
<references />
 
===Relevant Sciencemadness threads===
 
===Relevant Sciencemadness threads===
 +
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=65712 Concentrated NaClO sol. from Ca(ClO)2]
  
 
[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
 
[[Category:Chemical compounds]]
Line 56: Line 169:
 
[[Category:Sodium compounds]]
 
[[Category:Sodium compounds]]
 
[[Category:Hypochlorites]]
 
[[Category:Hypochlorites]]
−
[[Category:Foul-smelling compounds]]
+
[[Category:Foul smelling compounds]]
 
[[Category:Readily available chemicals]]
 
[[Category:Readily available chemicals]]
 +
[[Category:Essential reagents]]
 +
[[Category:Irritants]]

Latest revision as of 17:39, 2 June 2021

Sodium hypochlorite
Bleach sample.jpg
Store-bought concentrated bleach
Names
IUPAC name
Sodium hypochlorite
Other names
Bleach
Sodium oxychloride
Properties
NaOCl
Molar mass 74.442 g/mol
Appearance Pale yellow-greenish powder (solid)
Pale green liquid (solution)
Odor Chlorine-like
Density 1.11 g/cm3
Melting point 18 °C (64 °F; 291 K) (pentahydrate)
Boiling point 101 °C (214 °F; 374 K) (decomposes); decomposition begins above 40 °C
29.3 g/100ml (0 °C)
Solubility Reacts with alcohols, ketones
Acidity (pKa) 7.5185
Thermochemistry
-347.1 kJ/mol
Hazards
Safety data sheet Merck
Related compounds
Related compounds
 Lithium hypochlorite
Potassium hypochlorite
Calcium hypochlorite
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

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, and is frequently used as a disinfectant or a bleaching agent.

Properties

Chemical

The dry powder is highly unstable and shock sensitive, it is always used in solution. Sodium hypochlorite is highly reactive and a potent oxidizer. It reacts with acids to form chlorine gas, ketones to form chloroform, ammonia to form chloramines, and with various other compounds, both organic and inorganic. Sodium hypochlorite should not be mixed with another chemical unless either the reaction is already researched or it is done on a small scale in a fume hood or outside. At very high temperatures and concentrations, sodium hypochlorite reacts with itself in a two-step disproportionation reaction that proceeds as follows:

2 NaOCl → NaClO2 + NaCl
NaOCl + NaClO2 → NaClO3 + NaCl

For a net reaction of:

3 NaClO → NaClO3 + 2 NaCl

The formation of sodium chlorate in this manner is useful for the production of the more useful potassium chlorate by addition of potassium chloride solution. If sodium chlorate is desired, a solution of sodium hypochlorite should be boiled down until only as much water is left to form a 25-30% solution by mass. However, by this time, it will not be a solution of sodium hypochlorite but of the chlorate and chloride.

Physical

Pure sodium hypochlorite is it?

Solid sodium hypochlorite appears as a greenish-yellow solid (pentahydrate) crystals. In solution, it is usually a light green liquid with a sweet, chlorine smell.

Availability

Can be easily bought as "Household bleach" in a 3-8% solution. "Spill-less bleaches" contain a surfactant, rendering them useless for many chemistry endeavours.

Preparation

It 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.

Cl2 + 2 NaOH → NaCl + NaClO + H2O

Hence, chlorine is simultaneously reduced and oxidized; this process is known as disproportionation.

Another route to produce sodium hypochlorite involves passing chlorine gas through a solution of sodium hydroxide, all the way to completion of the reaction, but this is not very efficient.

Commercial solutions always contain significant amounts of sodium chloride (common salt) as the main by-product, as seen in the equation above.

Projects

Handling

Safety

Open containers of sodium hypochlorite release chlorine gas over time, and the solution itself releases hazardous compounds upon reaction with many substances. As such, the addition of sodium hypochlorite to any other substance should be researched ahead of time or done in a controlled environment on a small scale; intentionally mixing chemicals without a knowledge of what will happen can be deadly if not carried out carefully. It should go without saying, but bleaching solutions containing sodium hypochlorite will bleach most clothing, so plan accordingly.

Storage

Sodium hypochlorite solutions should be stored in closed bottles, away from any chlorine corrosion susceptible materials.

Disposal

Bleach solutions can be neutralized with hydrogen peroxide. Bisulfites, metabisulfites or thiosulfites can also be used.

NEVER USE ACIDS TO NEUTRALIZE BLEACH! The reaction releases chlorine gas which is highly toxic.

See also

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

Retrieved from "https://www.sciencemadness.org/smwiki/index.php?title=Sodium_hypochlorite&oldid=14003"