Naatriumhüpohaliit

Naatriumhüpohaliit is the sodium salt of hypochlorous acid with the chemical formula NaClO. It is a strong oxidizing agent and a disinfectant. In its solid form, it is a white crystalline substance, but it is most commonly encountered in aqueous solution. These solutions are typically colorless to pale yellow.

The most well-known application of sodium hypochlorite is as bleach, particularly household bleach. It is effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it a common ingredient in cleaning and sanitizing products. It is also used in water treatment to disinfect drinking water and swimming pools, helping to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. In industrial settings, sodium hypochlorite is used for bleaching paper and textiles, as well as in chemical synthesis.

Sodium hypochlorite solutions are generally prepared by reacting chlorine gas with sodium hydroxide solution. The concentration of sodium hypochlorite in commercial products can vary, but typical household bleach contains about 5-6% sodium hypochlorite. It is important to handle sodium hypochlorite with care, as it can be corrosive and irritating to the skin and eyes. It should not be mixed with acids or ammonia, as this can produce toxic gases. When stored properly in a cool, dark place, sodium hypochlorite solutions have a limited shelf life and will gradually decompose.