INTRODUCTION OF SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE
Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a chemical compound commonly known for its use as a bleaching agent and disinfectant. It is most famously recognized as the active ingredient in household bleach. NaOCl is a solution made from reacting chlorine with a sodium hydroxide solution. These two reactants are the major co-products from most chlor-alkali cells. Sodium hypochlorite, commonly referred to as bleach, has a variety of uses and is an excellent disinfectant/antimicrobial agent.
Chemical Properties:
- Chemical Formula: NaOCl
- Molecular Weight: 74.44 g/mol
- Appearance: Pale greenish-yellow liquid
- Odor: Chlorine-like
Safety and Handling:
- Corrosive: Can cause burns to skin and eyes.
- Toxic: Harmful if ingested or inhaled.
- Storage: Should be stored in a cool, ventilated area away from organic materials and metals.
Environmental Impact:
- Biodegradability: Sodium hypochlorite breaks down into salt and water, which are less harmful to the environment.
- Byproducts: Can form harmful compounds such as chloramines and dioxins if not handled properly.
First Aid Measures:
- Skin Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing.
- Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Drink plenty of water and seek medical help immediately.
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen and seek medical assistance.
NaOCl is a versatile chemical with a wide range of applications, from household cleaning to industrial processes. However, it must be handled with care due to its corrosive and toxic nature. Proper storage and usage guidelines should always be followed to ensure safety and effectiveness.
PRODUCTION METHODS OF SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE
NaOCl releases hypochlorous acid (HOCl) when dissolved in water. This acid acts as an oxidizing agent, disrupting cellular functions of microorganisms, leading to their death.
1. Reacting chlorine with NaOH:
Sodium hypochlorite solution is obtained by passing Cl₂ into a cold and dilute solution of NaOH.
2NaOH (cold and dilute solution) + Cl₂ → NaOCl + NaCl + H₂O
2. By electrolysis of brine solution:
NaOH and chlorine gas are produced by the electrolysis of brine solution, which is then mixed to form NaOCl.
2Cl⁻ → Cl₂ + 2e⁻
2 H₂O + 2e⁻ → H₂ + 2HO⁻
3. By ozone:
Sodium hypochlorite can be obtained by reacting ozone with salt.
NaCl + O₃ → NaClO + O₂
This reaction can happen at room temperature and can be useful for oxidising alcohols.
4. From calcium hypochlorite:
Sodium hypochlorite solution is obtained by reacting sodium carbonate with calcium hypochlorite.
Na₂CO₃ (aq) + Ca(OCl)₂ (aq) → CaCO₃ (s) + 2 NaOCl (aq)
APPLICATIONS OF SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE
NaOCl is used on a large scale. For example in agriculture, chemical industries, paint- and lime industries, food industries, glass industries, paper industries, pharmaceutical industries, synthetics industries and waste disposal industries.
1. Household Bleach
- Used for whitening clothes and removing stains.
- Disinfecting surfaces to kill bacteria and viruses.
2. Water Treatment
- Used to disinfect drinking water and swimming pools.
- Helps in controlling algae and bacteria in water systems.
3. Medical Uses
- Employed in wound care to clean and prevent infections.
- Used in dentistry as a root canal irrigant.
4. Industrial Applications
- Bleaching of textiles and paper products.
- Oxidizing agent in chemical manufacturing.
NaOCl INCOMPATIBILITY CHART
Do NOT mix Sodium Hypochlorite (bleach) with ANY other chemical unless adequate engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) are in place. Accidental mixing may cause dangerous conditions that could result in injury to personnel and/or damage to property or the environment. Common locations where accidental mixing of incompatible chemicals can occur include, but are not limited to, containment systems and drains, sinks, unloading piping and warehouse storage areas.
Below PDF file is only a listing of the more common incompatible chemicals and is not an all-inclusive list.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE
| Characteristic | Result | Range | Unit | Analysis Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Chlorine | ≥ 15 | 12-18 | %W/V | ISIRI 1994 |
| NaOH | 1 | Min 0.5 | %W/V | ISIRI 1994 |
| Na2CO3 | < 0.2 | MAx 1 | %W/V | ISIRI 1994 |
| NaClO3 | 0.2 | Max 0.7 | %W | ISIRI 1994 |
| Iron As Fe | < 1 | Max 3 | PPM | ISIRI 1994 |
| Heavy Metal | 0.2 | Max 0.5 | PPM | ISIRI 1994 |
| Color | Yellow or Yellowish Green | Yellow or Yellowish Green | - | ISIRI 2361 |
| Appearance | Clear Solution Sediment Free | Clear Solution Sediment Free | - | ISIRI 2361 |
