Substance profile
Calcium hypochlorite
Calcium hypochlorite is a powder with a strong chlorine odor.
01 · Identification
What Calcium hypochlorite is
Calcium hypochlorite is a powder with a strong chlorine odor. Its molecular formula is CaCl2O2 and its molecular weight is 142.98 g/mol. It boils at 100 °C, melts at 100 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 1st degree.
Other names for Calcium hypochlorite
- pool chlorine
- cal hypo
- Ca(ClO)2
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H272 | May intensify fire; oxidiser. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH031
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P273, P280, P301, P310, P312, P330, P331, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Calcium hypochlorite properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 100 °C (212 °F) | decomposes | HSDB |
| Melting point | 100 °C (212 °F) | HSDB | |
| Density | 2.35 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 2.35 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | DOE PAC | |
| Solubility | 21% in water at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| Solubility in water, g/100ml at 25 °C: 21 | at 25 °C | ICSC | |
| Corrosivity | 0.001 mm ASTM grade 2 titanium/yr at 6 wt% and 100 °C | From table | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Calcium hypochlorite
Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location at a temperature below 120 °F (50 °C) to avoid slow decomposition. Separate from oxidizing materils, acids, ammonia, amines, and other chlorinating agents. Immediately remove and properly dispose of any spilled material. /Calcium hypochlorite, dry or calcium hypochlorite, mixtures, dry/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts with water and with acids releasing chlorine. Forms explosive compounds with ammonia and amines. Strong oxidizer. Other incompatible materials include organics, nitrogen containing compounds, dry chemical fire extinguishers containing mono-ammonium phosphate, combustible or flammable materials. /Calcium hypochlorite, dry or calcium hypochlorite, mixtures, dry/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
BLEACHING POWDER is a strong oxidizing agent and a base. Acts in aqueous solution by releasing hypochlorite ion (OCl- ion). Decomposes on standing to give oxygen (a strong oxidizing agent) and calcium chloride. Mixing of bleaching powder (hypochlorite solution) with ammonia solutions produces toxic/explosive ammonia trichloride vapors.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Calcium hypochlorite in the storage compatibility matrix →
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