Calcium hypochlorite

Calcium Hypochlorite is a chemical compound with the formula Ca(ClO)_2. It is widely used for water treatment and as a bleaching agent (bleaching powder). This compound is relatively stable and has greater available chlorine than sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach).

Chemical Structure

Calcium hypochlorite is an inorganic compound that is typically available as a white or grayish-white powder. It is a salt composed of calcium ions (Ca^2+) and hypochlorite ions (ClO^-). The compound is highly soluble in water and has a strong chlorine odor.

Production

Calcium hypochlorite is produced industrially by treating lime (Ca(OH)_2) with chlorine gas. The reaction can be conducted in a batch process or continuously.

Uses

Calcium hypochlorite is primarily used as a disinfectant. It is used in swimming pools for water disinfection and algae prevention. Calcium hypochlorite is also an ingredient in bleaching powder, used for bleaching cotton and linen. It is also used in bathroom cleaners, household disinfectant sprays, moss and algae removers, and weedkillers.

Safety

Calcium hypochlorite is a strong oxidizer. Its major hazard is its reactivity with organic material and with certain other chemicals. Calcium hypochlorite increases the risk of fire and explosion when brought into contact with organic materials.

See Also

• Chlorine
• Disinfectant
• Bleaching Agent