Substance profile
Sodium hypochlorite
Sodium hypochlorite is a greenish yellow liquid with a disagreeable, sweetish odor.
01 · Identification
What Sodium hypochlorite is
Sodium hypochlorite is a greenish yellow liquid with a disagreeable, sweetish odor. Its molecular formula is ClNaO and its molecular weight is 74.44 g/mol. It boils at 111 °C, melts at 18 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
Other names for Sodium hypochlorite
- bleach
- liquid chlorine
- NaOCl
- Hyclorite
- Javel Water
- Javelle Water
- Javex
- Klorocin
- Milton
- Neo-Cleaner
- Neoseptal Cl
- Parozone
- Purin B
- Sodium Hypochlorite (Naclo)
- Sodium Hypochlorite (Naocl)
- Antiformin
- B-K Liquid
- Chloros
- Clorox
- Deosan
- Hypure
- Hypure N
- sodium hypochlorite, solution ... % Cl active
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 |
|---|---|
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| H318 | Causes serious eye damage. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH031
Precautionary statements: P260, P273, P280, P301, P305, P310, P331, P338, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Sodium 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 | 111 °C (231.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| Melting point | 18 °C (64.4 °F) | Pentahydrate | HSDB |
| -5 °C (23 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 18 °C (64.4 °F) | DOE PAC | ||
| Density | 1.025 g/cm³ | Sodium hypochlorite soln, diluted | HSDB |
| 1.093 g/cm³ | CAMEO | ||
| 1.0599 g/cm³ | at 21.11 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Solubility in water, g/l at 20 °C: 293 (good) | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| 29.3 g/100 g (0 °C) in water | at 0 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 15.0012 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Anhydrous sodium hypochlorite is very explosive. | HSDB | |
| Odor threshold | The estimated odor threshold is the same as chlorine, 0.3 ppm | Haz-Map |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Sodium hypochlorite
Storage conditions
Store at a temp not exceeding 20 °C away from acids in well-fitted air-tight bottles, closed with a glass stopper or suitable plastic cap. Protect from light. /Strong sodium hypochlorite soln/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Chlorination of ethyleneimine with sodium hypochlorite gives the explosive compound 1-chloroethyleneimine.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Salts of hypochlorous acid, HClO. Generally toxic, irritants and powerful oxidizers, particularly in the presence of water or at higher temperature as they decompose to release oxygen and chlorine gases. On contact with urea they form the highly explosive NCl3. When heated or on contact with acids, they produce highly toxic fumes of chlorine gas [Sax, 9th ed., 1996, p. 1905]. Can react with sulfuric acid to produce heat and chlorine gas.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Sodium hypochlorite in the storage compatibility matrix →
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