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Common Name
Sodium hypochlorite is the active chemical in chlorine bleach. This chemical compound is diluted to a three to six percent solution for household bleach. Bleach is used to whiten laundry, treat wastewater and disinfect food preparation surfaces.
History
The first batch of sodium hypochlorite was made was in Javelle, France, in 1789, by Claude Louis Berthollet. It was made by passing chlorine gas through a sodium carbonite solution, which inefficiently produced a weak solution of sodium hypochlorite. Berthollet called it Javell Water, or "Eau de Javelle."
Chemical Structure
Sodium hypochlorite is formed when chlorine is passed through a solution of cold water (below 40 degrees Celsius) and sodium hydroxide. The by-product of this chemical reaction is sodium chloride (table salt). The chemical formula is NaClO3, indicating sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl) and three atoms of oxygen(O3).
Chemical Properties
Undiluted sodium hypochlorite is a white solid, having a mass of 74.442 grams per mole, a density of 1.11 grams per centimeter cubed, a melting point at 18 degrees Celsius and a water solubility of 29.3 grams per 100 milliliters at 0 degrees Celsius.
Storage
Sodium hypochlorite is an unstable salt that breaks down in the presence of light, heat, copper, cobalt, nickel and anything organic. Therefore, the optimal environment for storage of this solution is a polyethylene/fiberglass reinforced plastic storage tank at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.