What is Sodium Hypochlorite?

Powell - World Recognized, Sodium Hypochlorite Experts

Sodium Hypochlorite is a greenish-yellow liquid commonly referred to as "Bleach." The chemical compound formula for Sodium Hypochlorite is NaOCl.

Sodium Hypochlorite is prepared by reacting dilute caustic soda solution with liquid or gaseous chlorine, accompanied by cooling.

Sodium Hypochlorite is the main ingredient in laundry bleach. It is used extensively as a bleaching agent in the textile, detergents, and paper and pulp industries. It is also used as an oxidizing agent for organic products. In the petrochemical industry, sodium hypochlorite is used in petroleum products refining. Large quantities are also used as a disinfectant in water and wastewater treatment and sanitary equipment. In food processing, sodium hypochlorite is used to sanitize food preparation equipment, in fruit and vegetable processing, mushroom production, hog, beef and poultry production, maple syrup production, and fish processing.

In various parts of the world, sodium hypochlorite strength is identified using five common definitions that result in different numbers for the answer although the oxidizing power is the same, i.e., the sodium hypochlorite strength is the same. 

The terms commonly used in the industry to define the sodium hypochlorite strength are as follows:

Sodium Hypochlorite is used in varying strengths. The chart below lists some of the varying strengths of Sodium Hypochlorite and how the variations are typically used.

Wt. % Sodium Hypochlorite

Common Uses

2%
Shock Chlorination of Wells
3-6%
Household Disinfectant, Laundering Clothes, Dentistry Root Canal Treatment, Antisepsis of Mammary Glands in Dairy Industry, Disinfectant in Hospitals, Food Processing, Mushroom Production, Hog, Beef, and Poultry Productions, Maple Syrup Production, Fish Processing, etc.
12-16%*
Disinfectant in Swimming Pools, Water Treatment, Waste Water Treatment

*Note: The higher the Weight Percent of Sodium Hypochlorite, the more decomposition of sodium hypochlorite becomes a factor. See Decomposition of Sodium Hypochlorite for more information.

Back to "FAQ About Sodium Hypochlorite"

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