Sodium hypochlorite, aqueous solution, technical

Sodium hypochlorite (also known as sodium chlorate(I) or the sodium salt of hypochlorous acid) is an inorganic chemical compound with strong oxidizing and disinfecting properties. It is produced by saturating an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide with chlorine gas. In its pure form, it is highly unstable, which is why it is available commercially only as an aqueous solution.

Characteristics and Physicochemical Properties

Sodium hypochlorite has a sharp chlorine-like odor and exhibits strong corrosive properties. The product is supplied as a liquid with a straw-yellow color. It shows bactericidal, antiseptic, oxidizing, and disinfecting activity, making it highly useful in a wide range of industrial and household applications.

The sodium hypochlorite is distinguished by a high active chlorine content – guaranteed at a minimum of 150 g/L. Due to its limited shelf life, the product is mainly distributed to local customers. It should be stored in a cool, shaded area, away from heat sources, in containers made of corrosion-resistant materials, such as plastics or rubber-lined steel.

Applications of Sodium Hypochlorite

Sodium hypochlorite has a wide range of applications across various industries:

• Household chemicals – used as a disinfectant and antibacterial agent, an ingredient in fabric bleaches, and in preparations designed for removing sanitary deposits.

• Industry – applied in the bleaching of pulp and textiles, disinfection of drinking water, and purification of wastewater and swimming pool water.

• Food industry – used for cleaning and disinfecting tanks, pipelines, and systems in dairy, brewing, and winemaking processes.

• Medicine – applied externally and topically as an antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial agent for treating wounds, mucous membranes, and skin infections. It can also be used for sterilizing medical instruments and as an antiseptic in dentistry.

• Bactericidal, antiseptic, oxidizing, and corrosive properties;

• household chemical production;

• used as a bleaching agent in the textile and pulp and paper industries;

• cleaning and disinfecting drinking water;

• purification of domestic and industrial waste, removal of organic and inorganic contaminants;

• disinfection of systems, pipelines, and tanks in the dairy industry;

• in the food industry, used in wine production and beer brewing;

• fungicidal and bactericidal treatment of grain;

• disinfection of technical rooms; in medicine and pharmacy as an antiviral, antifungal, and bactericidal agent;

Hazard statements:

H290 May be corrosive to metals.
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

Precautionary statements:

P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P273 Avoid release to the environment.
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water [or shower].
P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Supplementary label elements:

EUH031: Contact with acids liberates toxic gas.