Calcium hypochlorite is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Ca(ClO)2. It is a white solid, although commercial samples can appear yellowish. It has a strong chlorine-like odor due to its slow decomposition in moist air, releasing chlorine. It is also known as bleaching powder, chlorinated lime, or calcium oxychloride.
Uses:
Calcium hypochlorite is a powerful oxidizing agent and disinfectant, leading to its widespread use in various applications:
- Water Treatment: Primarily used for disinfecting drinking water and sanitizing swimming pool water. It effectively kills bacteria, algae, and other harmful microorganisms. It is often preferred over liquid sodium hypochlorite (bleach) for swimming pools due to its higher chlorine concentration and stability.
- Bleaching Agent: Used for bleaching textiles (like cotton and linen), paper pulp, and other materials.
- Sanitation: Employed as a general-purpose sanitizer in households, hospitals, and other settings for disinfecting surfaces and equipment. This includes kitchen surfaces, bathrooms, and food processing equipment.
- Industrial Applications: Used in various industrial processes, including:
- As an oxidizing agent in organic chemistry for reactions like cleaving glycols and keto acids, and in the haloform reaction to produce chloroform.
- In the manufacturing of certain chemicals and plastics.
- In wastewater treatment to disinfect effluents.
- In the food and beverage industry for sanitizing containers and equipment.
- Other Uses:
- As an ingredient in some household cleaning products, algaecides, herbicides, and laundry detergents.
- Historically, it was used to disinfect wounds and trenches during World War I.
- Can be used to control moss growth and mosquito larvae in specific environments.
