Chemical database: 19. Sodium hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a salt which comes in form of a white powder, at standard conditions. Density = 1.11 g/cm3. Melting point = 18°C. Boiling point = None (it decomposes on further heating). Sodium hypochlorite is mostly used for bleaching and for the cleaning of stains on various types of cloth. For this purpose, solutions of concentration close to 5% are mostly used. Less concentrated solutions (around 1%) are commonly used for disinfection. It is also used for water treatment, since it effectively blocks the growth and propagation of bacteria and algae.

Sodium hypochlorite can be found in many stores in form of solutions that are used for bleaching and disinfection. In such solutions, the concentration of sodium hypochlorite is mostly between 1% and 5%. This compound can also be ordered from chemical selling companies.