- Sodium Hypochlorite is the sodium salt of hypochlorous acid.
- It has oxidizing, corrosive, antiseptic and bactericidal properties.
- Sodium Hypochlorite is used in industry either as a bleaching agent or as a disinfectant.
- In horticulture for the prevention of plant diseases.
Sodium Hypochlorite – what is it?
Sodium Hypochlorite is an inorganic compound, the sodium salt of hypochlorous acid. It was first produced in the 18th century by adding chlorine to sodium hydroxide solution. Today, sodium hypochlorite is produced on an industrial scale by electrolysis of brine. This process produces Sodium Hydroxide and chlorine gas. The chlorine is then fed into the Sodium Hydroxide solution and Sodium Hypochlorite and Sodium Chloride are obtained.
Sodium Hypochlorite has a broad spectrum of activity and can be used in many industries. Read on to learn more about Sodium Hypochlorite and its applications!
Sodium Hypochlorite properties
Sodium Hypochlorite is unstable in its free form – it decomposes and causes an explosion – so its aqueous solution is used. It has a characteristic chlorine odor and a straw-yellow color. Its pH is high, so it is strongly alkaline. Sodium Hypochlorite dissolves in water and reacts with some acids. It is corrosive, which makes it corrosive to metals.
Sodium Hypochlorite has oxidizing, corrosive, antiseptic and bactericidal properties.
Sodium Hypochlorite uses
Sodium Hypochlorite is associated by many mainly as a component of bleaching agents. However, this is not its only use, it is also used in:
- Paper and textile industries – it is used as a bleaching agent for paper and textiles. When bleaching paper, several chromophoric groups of lignin are oxidized. Sodium Hypochlorite also dissolves natural dyes and impurities, which also has a great impact on the color of the paper.
- Disinfection and water treatment – Sodium hypochlorite is used to disinfect swimming pools, drinking water and surfaces. It eliminates pathogenic fungi and bacteria. Brewing equipment is also disinfected with its help – the equipment must be sterilized so that the yeast can grow properly during beer production.
- Fruit growing – this chemical compound is used to prevent diseases in fruit trees and vines. Sodium Hypochlorite is also used for washing fruits and vegetables after harvest.
- Dentistry – Sodium Hypochlorite is used for root canal treatment of teeth. It is used to irrigate the root canal, dissolving the dead tissue and smear layer. Mostly low concentrated solutions are used, from 2.5% to 5%.
- Medicine – it plays a role in the treatment of wounds, reduces the risk of infection. Preparations containing Sodium Hypochlorite are used on the skin surface.
- Production of modified starch – oxidation of Potato Starch with sodium hypochlorite results in oxidized starch (E1404), a product often used in the food industry.
As you can see, sodium hypochlorite can be used in many applications. Are you interested in buying it? Get in touch with Foodcom S.A.!
Sodium Hypochlorite for disinfection
As mentioned above, Sodium Hypochlorite has a strong bactericidal effect. Therefore, it is very often used for disinfection, and in many industries. In medical facilities, for example, it is used to clean surfaces from blood stains. It can also be used to clean rooms, surfaces and equipment that come into contact with food.
In addition to disinfecting surfaces, Sodium Hypochlorite is also very commonly used to disinfect water in swimming pools and to treat drinking water. The use of this substance guarantees effective control of bacteria, viruses and fungi and is also easy to use.
Sodium Hypochlorite in fruit growing
Sodium Hypochlorite is added to products used in fruit growing to control plant pests and diseases. It is mainly used on fruit trees. It should be sprayed on the trees in spring or autumn, i.e. when they are leafless.
Sodium Hypochlorite is also useful in horticulture – fruits and vegetables are washed with chlorinated water with Sodium Hypochlorite after harvest. This kills the microorganisms on the surface of the plants
Why Foodcom?
Our great team of Sales Support will help our Traders conduct the contract and business deals in a smooth and efficient way to ensure the best quality service to all our Business Partners. Our logistics team will take care of transportation and the financial department will be responsible for all matters connected with the financial part of the deal. Do not hesitate! Contact us.
