S

Sodium hypochlorite

IUPAC: sodium hypochlorite

ClNaO Salts CAS 7681-52-9
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationClNaO
CAS Number7681-52-9
Molecular Weight74.44
Melting PointMP: 18 °C /Pentahydrate/
Boiling PointBoiling point: 111 °C in solution
Density1.093 for 5% solution (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility29.3 g/100 g (0 °C) in water
AppearanceSodium hypochlorite appears as colorless or slightly yellow watery liquid with an odor of household bleach. Mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
Also Known As7681-52-9; Antiformin; Clorox; Hypochlorous acid, sodium salt; Sodium oxychloride; Household bleach; Chlorox; Javex; Javelle water; Hypochlorite sodium
CategorySalts

What is Sodium hypochlorite?

Sodium hypochlorite is an inorganic sodium salt in which hypochlorite is the counterion. It is used as a bleaching and disinfecting agent and is commonly found in household bleach. It has a role as a bleaching agent and a disinfectant. It contains a hypochlorite.

Formula & Notation

ClNaO

IUPAC Name: sodium hypochlorite

Other Names / Synonyms: 7681-52-9; Antiformin; Clorox; Hypochlorous acid, sodium salt; Sodium oxychloride; Household bleach; Chlorox; Javex; Javelle water; Hypochlorite sodium

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Sodium hypochlorite appears as colorless or slightly yellow watery liquid with an odor of household bleach. Mixes with water. (USCG, 1999). Molecular formula: ClNaO. Molecular weight: 74.44 g/mol. Boiling point: Boiling point: 111 °C in solution. Melting point: MP: 18 °C /Pentahydrate/. Density: 1.093 for 5% solution (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: 29.3 g/100 g (0 °C) in water. Vapor pressure: Vapor pressure, kPa at 20 °C: 2 - 2.5.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting PointMP: 18 °C /Pentahydrate/
Boiling PointBoiling point: 111 °C in solution
Density1.093 for 5% solution (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight74.44
Solubility29.3 g/100 g (0 °C) in water
AppearanceSodium hypochlorite appears as colorless or slightly yellow watery liquid with an odor of household bleach. Mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)

Uses & Applications

Used in food preservation, water treatment, chemical synthesis, fertilizers, and pharmaceutical applications.

Safety Information

Irritant or toxic depending on specific salt. Some salts are oxidising agents or toxic to aquatic environments. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Sodium hypochlorite
Formula ClNaO
CAS Number 7681-52-9
Molecular Weight 74.44
Category Salts
Synonyms 7681-52-9; Antiformin; Clorox; Hypochlorous acid, sodium salt; Sodium oxychloride; Household bleach; Chlorox; Javex; Javelle water; Hypochlorite sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Sodium hypochlorite is an inorganic sodium salt in which hypochlorite is the counterion. It is used as a bleaching and disinfecting agent and is commonly found in household bleach. It has a role as a bleaching agent and a disinfectant. It contains a hypochlorite.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.