Sodium Hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical compound with the formula NaClO. Sodium chemical solution, commonly known as bleach, is frequently used as a disinfectant or a bleaching agent. CAS number 7681-52-9 Uses : Bleaching : Household bleach is, in general, a solution containing 4-6% sodium hypochlorite and 0.01-0.05% sodium hydroxide; the sodium hydroxide is used to delay the breakdown of sodium hypochlorite into sodium chloride and sodium chlorate. In household form, sodium hypochlorite is used for removal of stains from laundry. It is particularly effective on cotton fiber, which stains easily but bleaches well.Disinfection : A weak solution of 2% household bleach in warm water is used to sanitize smooth surfaces prior to brewing of beer. Surfaces must be rinsed to avoid imparting flavors to the brew; these chlorinated byproducts of sanitizing surfaces are also harmful. Water treatment : For shock chlorination of wells or water systems, a 3% solution of household bleach is used. For larger systems, sodium hypochlorite is more practical because lower rates can be used. The alkalinity of the sodium hypochlorite solution also causes the precipitation of minerals such as calcium carbonate, so that the shock chlorination is often accompanied by a clogging effect. The precipitate also preserves bacteria, making this practice somewhat less effective. Sodium chemical has been used for the disinfection of drinking water.